§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will publish maps showing tranquil areas in respect of light and noise pollution. [126413]
§ Mr. HillIn respect of noise, Birmingham City Council has recently produced an innovative noise map of the City with support from this Department. This has been published as a DETR report ("A report on the production of noise maps of the City of Birmingham"—ISBN 1–85112359–8). Copies are available in the House Library and on the DETR website (www.environment.detr.gov.uk/noisemaps/birmingham/report/index.htm).
The question of extending this technique throughout the country both in urban areas and relatively quiet areas in the open country is actively being considered by the Government and in European fora. My hon. Friend may wish to be aware that the Council for the Protection of Rural England together with the Countryside Commission has published a "Tranquillity Map", identifying areas of England which are far enough away from visual or noise intrusion to be considered unspoilt by urban influences.
There are no plans at this time to introduce mapping for light pollution.