Mr. Normautonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has plans for the introduction of noise certification of aircraft, both those coming into service and those which are still in service; and, if so, whether it is intended to introduce such a procedure at an early date.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisI have been asked to reply.
The United Kingdom Air Navigation (Noise Certification) Order 1970, as amended, already requires new types of subsonic jet aircraft using our airports, such as the Lockheed TriStar, the DC10, the A300B and later types of Boeing 747, to have a noise certificate and to conform to noise standards laid down in the order. Furthermore, the regulations were amended in July this year so that new production of older types of jet aircraft will, after 1st January 1976, also be required to have a noise certificate. Older types of jet aircraft now in service are at present exempt, but, following consultations with manufacturers and operators earlier this year, my Department is now examining the extent to which these aircraft can also be brought to comply with noise certification regulations. There are important international implications and complex questions of cost and timing and I am not yet able to say what the outcome will be, but a conclusion will be reached as soon as possible.