§ Dame Peggy FennerTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will institute a noise standard level for existing railways, before the opening of the Channel tunnel and the Channel tunnel links.
§ Mr. PortilloI am about to establish a departmental committee to recommend a noise insulation standard for new railways which is comparable to the standard currently set by regulation for new highways. The aim is to provide equity of treatment for those affected by noise from railways and those affected by noise from roads. Since noise insulation is not provided for intensification of use in the case of roads, the committee's terms of reference will not take in the intensification of use of existing railways.