HC Deb 28 February 1972 vol 832 cc3-4W
44. Mr. Michael McNair-Wilson

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will give a detailed break- down of the sum of £1 million per year which the Government are spending on engine noise research.

Mr. David Price

The estimated breakdown of direct Government expenditure on general engine noise research during the financial year 1971–72 is approximately as follows:

Work done by Industry £680,000
Work done in Government Establishments £270,000
Work done by Universities £50,000

52. Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry in view of the fact that the new generation of civil aircraft are likely to be considerably quieter than existing aircraft, and of the adverse effect of noise on health and on the quality of the environment, if he will now support the research and development necessary to produce quieter versions of the Spey and other British engines so as to enable British European Airways and the British Overseas Airways Corporation to keep their existing fleet operating at much lower noise levels; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. David Price

Without waiting for the outcome of international discussions on reducing the noise of existing aero-engines, the Government are urgently considering a programme of work, aimed at possible development of saleable hardware, for the United Kingdom engines involved, and the extent to which support is desirable from public funds.

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