HC Deb 08 February 1984 vol 53 cc865-6
3. Ms. Clare Short

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will review the legislation concerning noise levels in urban areas.

The Minister for Housing and Construction (Mr. Ian Gow)

My right hon. Friend has responsibility for noise nuisance under part III of the Control of Pollution Act 1974. That legislation is kept under review. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport has responsibility for aircraft and road traffic noise.

Ms. Short

Is the Minister aware that the problem of urban noise from workplaces, traffic and neighbours is a major source of irritation and complaint? Will he agree to review the legislation, especially the methods of enforcement, so that we have a system which is speedier and more effective than the present cumbersome machinery?

Mr. Gow

I agree with the hon. Lady. For that reason, we are keeping this legislation under continual review.

Mr. Alexander

Will my hon. Friend take steps to curb the noise from faulty motorcycle exhausts? Is this not one of the nastiest forms of urban pollution? Does he recollect that our hon. Friend the Minister of State, Department of Transport offered a consultation paper of some sort on the subject which she said would be available shortly, and we are still awaiting it?

Mr. Gow

Responsibility for motorcycle noise rests with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport. I shall draw his attention to my hon. Friend's point.

Mr. O'Brien

Will the hon. Gentleman draw the attention of the Secretary of State for Defence to low-flying aircraft, which cause tremendous noise and upset many people?

Mr. Gow

I shall draw my right hon. Friend's attention to the hon. Gentleman's question.

Mr. Marlow

Is not one of the noisiest problems in our urban areas caused by those savage people who leave their dogs at home all day? What do the Government intend to do about that?

Mr. Gow

Mercifully, responsibility for dogs rests with my right hon. and learned Friend the Home Secretary.

Ms. Richardson

Will the Minister consider conducting inner city noise audits? Is he aware that it is very difficult for mothers with children, who are escaping from their home environment — from unsuitable flats — to obtain a bit of fresh air, because of all the noise, machines, fumes and so on? Would it not be a good idea to conduct that kind of audit?

Mr. Gow

I shall certainly consider the hon. Lady's suggestion sympathetically.