§ 6. Mr. Beswickasked the Under-secretary of State for Air whether he has investigated the complaints which he has received from the principal of a preparatory school in Sussex, that three pillars of the school were cracked by vibration arising from a Royal Air Force machine breaking through the sound barrier; and whether he will make a statement.
Mr. WardA letter from Mr. Everett was received in the Air Ministry on 1st February, 1954, and I am having inquiries made. I will let the hon. Member know the result.
§ Mr. BeswickI am sure the Under-secretary realises that the question of shock-waves or sound-waves will be a most important one. Will he assure the House that the Air Ministry are taking research into these matters very seriously?
Mr. WardYes, indeed I can. Already local orders have been issued to all stations prohibiting pilots from deliberately causing supersonic bangs, except at authorised demonstrations or when carrying out legitimate and essential forms of operational training.
§ Mr. BeswickWill the hon. Gentleman go a little further? We shall reach the time when it is quite impossible to keep the speed below that of sound and 334 it is essential that we get all the data possible. Will the Under-Secretary make certain that we are collecting whatever information is possible about the consequential effects?