HC Deb 15 November 1954 vol 533 cc22-3
37. Mr. Morley

asked the Minister of Supply if his attention has been called to disturbance and damage caused by supersonic bangs over parts of Hampshire and Southampton; and if he will make a statement.

42. Mr. Smithers

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware of the disturbance caused by experimental aircraft breaking the sound barrier in the neighbourhood of Winchester; and what instructions are issued to pilots with a view to reducing the nuisance caused to the minimum compatible with the national interest in aircraft development.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

I much regret the disturbance which has been caused to the residents of Hampshire by supersonic bangs. Measures have already been taken to reduce the inconvenience to the public. They include strict instructions to test pilots that supersonic speeds should be reached only when required by the nature of the tests, the recording of details of all supersonic flights and their scrutiny by officers of my Department. I am examining whether any further steps are feasible, consistent with the development necessary for the defence of this country. As my predecessor informed the House on 6th July, a comprehensive review of the available data of pressures created by shock waves is in progress.

Mr. Morley

While thanking the Minister for that reply, may I ask him whether he is aware that recently a supersonic bang caused damage estimated at £70 to a cottage in Ringwood, Hampshire? Can he tell me by what channels or by what means compensation can be obtained for that damage?

Mr. Lloyd

There is a Question on the Order Paper dealing with a claim for damage. Any information on alleged damage should be forwarded at once to me.

Mr. Smithers

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware of representations made to his Department by the Royal Hampshire County Hospital, where surgeons operating in the theatre are rather nervous about this, that the Dean and Chapter are also anxious about the Cathedral, and that the mayor has been shaken up in his parlour at the Guildhall? As the matter is beginning to assume rather serious proportions, I hope that the inquiry will be conducted with urgency.

Mr. Lloyd

I will certainly do everything I can to reduce the inconvenience caused.

40. Mr. Vaughan-Morgan

asked the Minister of Supply how many claims have been received for damage alleged to be owing to supersonic bangs; and in how many cases payments have been made.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

Three hundred and thirty-three claims have been received by the Ministry of Supply and payments have been made in 121 cases, up to and including 10th November, 1954. There are some 60 claims under consideration at the present time.

Mr. Vaughan-Morgan

As a fairly high proportion of these claims has been rejected, will my right hon. and learned Friend consider having an independent assessor attached to his Department to consider the amount and the quality of the claims which are being presented?

Mr. Lloyd

It is not my information that a substantial number of claims has been rejected. I am told that in some cases claims have been withdrawn, and that in others it has not been possible to prove any connection between the claim and the alleged cause of the claim, but if my hon. Friend will give me any evidence with regard to these cases, I will certainly consider his suggestion.

Mr. N. Nicolson

Can the Minister explain why it is that aircraft operating from coastal airports cannot he required to produce these bangs over the sea instead of over the land?

Mr. Lloyd

I think that is not the point. The point is whether aircraft operating from inland airfields could be asked to operate over the sea. That is certainly a matter which requires consideration, and we are now considering it.