§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the medical or scientific advice used to ascertain whether noise levels caused by low-flying aircraft are harmful; when noise levels from low-flying aircraft were measured in the Tewkesbury area and what the results were; and what measures are being taken to reduce the risk from the noise of low-flying aircraft. [24134]
§ Mr. SpellarMy Department has been involved in research into environmental noise and health for many years, supported by the National Physical Laboratory, the Institute of Sound and Vibration Research of the University of Southampton, the University of Salford, and the Medical Research Council. Restrictions on the heights, speeds and operating procedures of military aircraft in the UK reflect medical and scientific advice, and are designed to ensure that noise exposures experienced on the ground are not harmful. As part of our continuing research, a noise measurement trial is currently being carried out at a location near Tewkesbury. The aim is to present the findings at an international conference on noise later this year.