§ 38. Mr. Jesselasked the Secretary of State for Industry what action he is taking to encourage the British aircraft industry to produce quieter aircraft.
§ Mr. Les HuckfieldMy Department continues to encourage the development of quieter aircraft technology with funds provided under its aircraft and aeroengine general research and development programme. Expenditure on noise research in 1977–78 totalled £1.7 million going 365W both to Government research and development establishment and to industry. The Government also continue to work for international agreement on improved noise standards for civil aircraft, and future aircraft types produced in the United Kingdom will have to meet noise certification requirements which have become increasingly stringent in recent years. Negotiations for agreement on noise regulations and standards are the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade.