§ 11. Mr. Michael McNair-Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what recent discussions he has had with foreign Governments about the introduction of international noise limits for motor vehicles.
§ The Minister for Transport Industries (Mr. John Peyton)An E.C.E. standard for vehicle noise limits already exists. I propose shortly to initiate discussions with European Governments about the possible adoption of a stricter standard.
§ Mr. McNair-WilsonIs the Minister aware that a Swedish bus ordered by one municipality in Great Britain is able to achieve a noise level of 83 decibels, whereas our noise level at the moment requires only 86 decibels by 1973? Does this not make it obvious that some European countries are ahead of us, and is it not time that we caught up?
§ Mr. PeytonI am grateful to my hon. Friend for drawing my attention to this desirable Swedish bus. I am well aware of the importance of this problem, and I hope that British manufacturers are in no doubt as to the seriousness with which the Government regard the need to keep down noise.
§ Mr. BuchanBut would the right hon. Gentleman also make sure that he tells his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry than when he considers the crazy idea of reducing tariffs on foreign cars he should also pay some attention to the decibel problems involved?
§ Mr. PeytonI should have thought that hon. Gentlemen opposite are more responsible for the decibel problems involved.