§ Mr. Speedasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he has received any representations about the European Community Commission's proposals to tighten motor cycle noise limits; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyThe Motorcycle Action Group is conducting a campaign against the Commission proposals for stricter noise limits on new motor cycles.
It is wrong to suggest that proposals for new noise limits will mean the end of the air-cooled engine. I know of no proposals from either the Commission or any member state of the European Community which would have that effect. No evidence has been produced to substantiate the claim that the proposals being discussed at Brussels threaten the viability of British or European manufacturers.
I recognise that there are difficulties in in-use enforcement of the noise regulations. The law now requires that replacement silencers for the latest machines must be marked to show their compliance with the law.
The current noise regulations recognise that different noise limits should apply to different types of vehicle. Substantial reductions will be achieved for cars and lorries during the next few years. It is essential that we make similar progress on motor cycles. Noisy motor cycles are extremely unpopular with the general public. It is in the 398W interests of motor cyclists that they should have available to them well designed machines which keep noise to a minimum while preserving all the traditional advantages of motor cycling. All those concerned with motor cycling should in their own interests be pressing manufacturers to do this.