HC Deb 03 December 1969 vol 792 cc1487-8
46. Mr. Pardoe

asked the Secretary of State for Defence when the replacement of Shackleton by Nimrod will be completed at the Royal Air Force, St. Mawgan; and what esimate he has made of the difference in decibels, measured at ground level, during landings and takeoff.

Mr. John Morris

The answer to the first part of the Question is early 1971; I cannot yet give an accurate answer to the second part, but I shall write to the hon. Member when the information is available.

Mr. Pardoe

I thank the hon. Gentleman for that reply, particularly for the date. While we welcome the presence of the R.A.F. station at St. Mawgan, the noise level gives us reason for concern. Will the hon. Gentleman make every effort to ensure that it is kept to the minimum during the holiday season?

Mr. Morris

I am aware that in some respects the Nimrod is noisier than the Shackleton. However, I assure the hon. Gentleman that we shall be conducting trials of the relative noise levels as we gain experience with the aircraft in service. I shall write to him when results are available. I point out that the noise of jets engines, unlike piston engines, can be reduced by attenuating equipment during ground running checks, and I assure the hon. Gentleman that this equipment is being installed at St. Mawgan.