§ 19. Mr. R. Harrisasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he is aware that the noise from the running of aircraft engines at night at London Airport has not lessened during recent months, and has become worse since the transfer of services from Northolt; and if he is now able to announce plans for a reduction in the noise and, in particular, when the acoustic wall will be brought into operation.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI am fully aware of the importance of this problem. Below are particulars of the measures being taken at London Airport to mitigate noise
Improved measures for reducing noise from aircraft under maintenance are the subject of continuing experiments. The existing acoustic wall at London Airport will be extended this month. A tree planting scheme there will begin this year. British Overseas Airways Corporation aircraft will use the acoustic wall whenever practicable after they have been transferred from their old maintenance base to their new building in No. 1 Maintenance Area. The transfer of some of them has already taken place. The new British European Airways hangar is already being used as an acoustic screen. B.E.A. aircraft requiring engine running while under maintenance are now positioned on the apron west of this building, which itself constitutes a very effective noise screen for the residential area east of the Airport. In pursuing the above measures the Ministry maintains regular contact with the London Airport Standing Consultative Committee.