§ 43. Mr. Allasonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will erect temporary noise barriers on motorways at places where noise pollution is worst, pending the result of his study of forms of noise barriers.
§ Mr. Michael HeseltineResearch on noise barriers is being actively pursued and I am anxious not to take precipitate action which might not be in the best long-term interests of the community, taking account of all environmental factors, including the adverse effects of visual instrusion. The Urban Motorways Committee is now considering the whole question of the interaction between motorways and the urban environment and I expect it will be advising me on the problem of noise as well as other factors.
§ Mr. AllasonIs my hon. Friend aware of the urgency of the matter, particularly on Ml, where there is now continuous traffic roar which causes disturbance several hundred yards downwind?
§ Mr. HeseltineI am aware of the urgency of the matter.