§ Mr. Philip Hollandasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will make a statement about the position of the Noise Advisory Council.
§ Mr. Giles ShawAs a result of the continuing review of the role of advisory bodies, the Government have decided that the Noise Advisory Council should be disbanded. They recognise the valuable work carried out by the council since its foundation in 1970 and are grateful to its members for the contribution they have made individually.
Abolition of the Noise Advisory Council in no way lessens the Government's determination to contain noise nuisance, and to reduce it wherever possible. We fully recognise the difficulties and distress which can be caused to the public by noise from all kinds of activities, and we shall continue to seek solutions to the more pressing problems, taking advice from appropriate sources as necessary.
A new power provided by the Local Government Planning and Land Act 1980 will enable local authorities to act on their own to designate noise abatement zones under the Control of Pollution Act 1974. This will simplify procedures and remove unnecessary restraints and delays. Under the enforcement provisions of the Control of Pollution Act local authorites have been increasingly active in dealing with noise complaints from the public either informally or through the courts; and I hope that both those who cause and those who suffer from noise nuisance from fixed premises will take full cognisance of the enforcement machinery which is available. Meanwhile, my Department is reviewing its advice on the relationship between land use planning and noise. Consideration is also being given to draft codes of practice for certain activities.
The Government are equally anxious to maintain pressure on reducing noise from other sources. An important step forward in respect of aircraft noise has been the decision to prohibit the use after 1 January 1986 of all United Kingdom—registered non-noise—certificated sub-sonic jets. More stringent noise emission limits for new road vehicles will become effective in 1983. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport is presently considering what further action might be taken on vehicle noise in the light of the response to his recent consultation document and of the report of the enquiry into lorries, people and the environment. We shall continue to participate fully in international discussions on all these matters.