§ Mr. Marquandasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works, as representing the Lord President of the Council, what studies of the incidence 261W and effects of noise in factories, workshops and other industrial establishments have been made by research institutions for which he is responsible, or to which he has authorised the making of grants; and where the findings of such research have been published.
§ Mr. H. NichollsThe National Physical Laboratory of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research undertakes surveys of noise for industry and advises on appropriate treatments to reduce noise inside and outside offices, factories, etc., caused by machinery and equipment employed in the factory. The National Physical Laboratory also carries out fundamental investigations on the "subjective loudness" of different types of noises. The Building Research Station is conducting a number of surveys related to factory design, construction and use, and the effect of factory noise on neighbouring areas. Several of the research associations, supported by grants from the D.S.I.R., are also actively interested in noise abatement, although research work is, in most cases, at an early stage. These studies are in addition to those of the Medical Research Council—for instance, on the effect on hearing of exposure to various kinds of industrial noise. Papers have been and will continue to be published by Her Majesty's262W Stationery Office and in the technical Press and a representative list will be sent to the hon. Member.