HC Deb 29 January 1976 vol 904 cc297-8W
51. Mr. Watt

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received from the agricultural industry regarding the new noise level regulations for farm machinery.

Mr. Strang

Representations have been made on two matters. As I indicated in a reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Wallsend (Mr. Garrett) on 23rd May—[Vol. 892, c. 727]—last, consideration has been given to some form of exemption from the noise level requirements in strictly limited circumstances for new narrow tractors. An announcement will be made shortly.

Concern has also been expressed by growers and others who need easily removable cabs for standard tractors but fear that the specialist cab manufacturers will not be able to supply quiet cabs of this type by 1st June. I am advised that such cabs can be produced and my technical advisers are in close touch with both cab and tractor manufacturers to this end.

Discussions have also taken place with forestry interests about design problems arising from the use of certain kinds of winches.