§ Mr. Charles KennedyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence following the recent noise evaluation survey of properties in the vicinity of Tain bombing range, Ross-shire, if he will(a) publish the objective criteria upon which he decides subsequent eligibility for compensation and (b) provide a detailed breakdown of the findings involved; and if he will make a statement. [5016]
§ Mr. SoamesUnder the terms of the Ministry of Defence noise insulation grant scheme, which was introduced in 1985, owners of properties severely affected by military aircraft noise are eligible for grants to cover the cost of installing noise insulation in bedrooms and up to two living rooms. Eligibility is limited to properties subject to a noise level of 70 decibels averaged over a 16-hour day. The environmental noise survey undertaken at RAF Tain air weapons range in August 1995 showed that, as a result of strictly enforced aircraft circuit patterns and an overall reduction in the number of aircraft movements, no local properties are now subject to noise in excess of the 70 decibel threshold. The noise survey report was made available to the Ross and Cromarty district council on 16 November and a copy will be placed in the Library of the House.