§ 19. Sir G. Sinclair asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has decided which British airports may be used by the Anglo-French Concord; and what noise levels for take-off and landing he has requested the designers to keep to.
§ Mr. J. P. W. MallalieuSubject to the airport owner's consent, the Concord will be able to use any British airport which has adequate facilities, for example, runways of suitable length and strength. Airlines operating the Concord will be able to use any such airports provided they have the necessary licences from the Air Transport Licensing Board or, in the case of foreign airlines, authorisation from the Government. It is our objective that the noise levels of the Concord should at least not exceed those of present large jet-engined aircraft, and research is continuing to see whether further noise reductions will be possible.
§ Sir G. SinclairWhile I thank the Minister for that reply, may I ask whether that means that the Government are now firmly committed to getting the Concord into operation with airlines?
§ Mr. MallalieuYes, Sir.
§ Mr. BrooksIs my hon. Friend aware that no supersonic over-flights by military aircraft have been permitted in this country for many years? Will he give an assurance that the same policy will be applied to supersonic civil aircraft?
§ Mr. MallalieuI cannot give that firm assurance. But when leaving British airports, Concord will not fly supersonic until it is over the sea.