HC Deb 13 March 1972 vol 833 c15W
Sir G. Sinclair

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, in view of the growing pressure within the United States of America for the early introduction of retrofit, what steps Her Majesty's Government are proposing to encourage retrofit in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Corfield

So far as British engines are concerned, the Government are urgently considering a programme of work aimed at the possible development of commercial retrofit equipment. The Government keep closely in touch with the development of international requirements for retrofit through the United Kingdom membership of the I.C.A.O. Committee on Aircraft Noise.

Mr. Blaker

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he is aware that appliances known as Hush Kits are now available for the adaptation of existing aircraft so as to reduce aircraft noise; and what is his estimate of the reduction in noise to be achieved by their use and of the cost of adapting those parts of the United Kingdom fleet of civil aircraft which generate the most noise by means of this appliance.

Mr. Corfield

No devices of the type referred to suitable for installation in aircraft of the United Kingdom civil fleet are available at present and I am not therefore in a position to give estimates of cost or effective noise reduction. Development work is in hand in the U.S.A. and I am urgently considering a programme of work in this field with British industry.