HC Deb 20 November 1963 vol 684 cc967-8
11. Mr. Gresham Cooke

asked the Minister of Aviation whether he is aware that double glazing of windows, rather than the construction of double windows, can be now carried out for a comparatively small sum so as to insulate rooms against noise; and whether he will seek powers to give small grants to householders living near airports so as to enable them to double glaze windows on a do-it-yourself basis.

Mr. Marten

I know of no inexpensive method of double glazing windows which substantially improves noise insulation. Simple methods of insulating windows against external noise by using screens of materials other than glass have recently been tested by the Building Research Station and are now being evaluated by the Ministry of Aviation.

I will bear in mind the suggestion in the second part of the Question when I receive the report from my officials, but I fear that grants for this purpose may be open to the same objections as those proposed by the Wilson Committee.

Mr. Gresham Cooke

Is my hon. Friend aware that a householder has, for the sum of £20, double glazed the windows in the chief rooms of his house and says that it has made a lot of difference in shutting out noise? Therefore, would not small grants of £10 or £15 to householders for this purpose be very welcome in the case of those willing to do the work themselves?

Mr. Marten

I take the point, but once one started giving grants for this sort of thing it could spread very widely. As the Lord President of the Council said in another place, it would be very difficult indeed to limit the spread of these grants.

Mr. Hunter

Will the hon. Gentleman use his influence with the Government to arrange a debate on the Wilson Report dealing with this subject?

Mr. Marten

I am sure that the hon. Gentleman can raise that through the usual channels.