§ Mr. David Watkinsasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the United States of America are issuing regulations relating to the noise certification of aircraft; and what corresponding action he now proposes.
§ Mr. MasonI understand that the Secretary of Transportation has announced the making of regulations applying to United States registered aircraft. It is my intention to introduce compulsory noise standards for new types of subsonic jet transport aircraft landing or taking off in this country. Such regulations, to be effective in the United Kingdom, will need to apply irrespective of the country of registry because, unlike the United States of America, so much aviation at our airports is international. I am therefore, seeking an international consensus on noise standards, based on the tripartite discussions which have taken place between ourselves and the American and French authorities. Discussions are to take place at I.C.A.O. next month, and I hope to lay the regulations early in the new year.