§ Mr. Woolmerasked the Minister for Trade, if his proposal to remove the ban on aircraft towing banners or balloons tethered for the purpose of advertising were implemented, what rights the general public would have to complain about noise nuisance which might arise as a result of these flights; and to whom he intends that such complaints should be directed.
§ Mr. SproatTethered balloons are silent and no question of noise nuisance is expected to arise. In the case of banners towed behind aeroplanes, a number of companies who intend to provide these advertising services, once they are lawful, are drawing up a voluntary code of practice and intend to establish an association under the aegis of the General Aviation Manufacturers and Traders Association. The code of practice will include provisions on noise emission which it is hoped will greatly reduce the risk of annoyance. If a member of the public wished to complain about noise he should approach the operator or the association.
§ Mr. Woolmerasked the Minister for Trade, if his proposals to remove the ban on aircraft towing banners or balloons tethered for the purpose of advertising were implemented, what formal or informal guidelines he would lay down for consultations between the aircraft operators and the local authorities prior to advertising flights.
§ Mr. SproatA number of companies who intend to tow advertising banners behind aeroplanes, once it becomes lawful, are drawing up a voluntary code of practice and intend to establish an association under the aegis of the General Aviation Manufacturers and Traders Association. I shall consider asking those concerned whether a provision relating to consultation with local authorities could be included in the code. As for tethered balloons, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment has consulted local authorities as to how advertisements on tethered balloons may best be brought within the scope of local planning.