§ Mr. Russell Kerrasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will seek to convene a world conference on aircraft noise where technical experts and political leaders can work together to establish a suitable and permanent international organisation to alleviate if not solve the problem.
§ Mr. CorfieldThe International Civil Aviation Organisation convened a meeting on aircraft noise last year at which substantial progress was achieved towards the long-term solution of the problem. I am satisfied that continuing to work through I.C.A.O. will achieve the most effective results rather than attempting to set up yet another international organisation. It is impossible to consider noise abatement in isolation from the general operational environment, including safety.
§ Mr. Russell Kerrasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will now take steps to double the grant for sound-proofing premises affected by aircraft noise; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CorfieldThe scheme for grants in aid of sound insulation of dwellings in certain areas around Heathrow, which 125W was introduced in 1966, was reviewed as recently as 1968, when the upper limit of the grant was raised from £100 to £150, and the proportion of approved costs payable was raised from 50 per cent. to 60 per cent. I am proposing later this year to consider with the Airports Authority whether there is a case for further improvements in areas adversely affected by the extension to No. 1 runway.