Aircraft Noise (Sound-proofing of Houses)

HC Deb 26 April 1967 vol 745 cc1580-1

11. Mr. Gresham Cooke

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will now amend the law so as to increase the grant towards sound-proofing of houses against aircraft noise to 70 per cent. of the cost.

Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu

No, Sir. The 50 per cent. contribution, subject to an overriding limit, follows the precedent of the standard house improvement grants.

Mr. Gresham Cooke

Would not the hon. Gentleman agree that the soundproofing scheme has been a failure, that only about 100 people have applied for it, and that it could be made a success if the red tape could be cut down and the grant improved to 70 per cent.?

Mr. Mallalieu

I agree that the response so far has been very disappointing. We are doing everything we can to cut any red tape and if the hon. Gentleman has examples of any that still exists I should like to hear about them. The British Airports Authority will launch a further publicity campaign in the coming months to tell people exactly how to apply for the grants and what is available.