§ 116. Mr. Dribergasked the Minister of Technology what precautions are being taken to avoid sonic boom damage to cathedrals, churches and other ancient buildings of major historical and architectural importance.
§ Mr. BennAny sonic bangs made as a result of development flying or in the course of the special exercise announced last week in this House are kept well below the intensity likely to cause damage to buildings.
§ Mr. Evelyn Kingasked the Minister of Technology how many sonic bangs have recently taken place over South Dorset; what proposals he has for future experiments; what consultation he has had with local authorities; and what plans he has to safeguard the amenities of those who live in the area.
§ Mr. BennThe tests now in progress would not serve the purpose for which they are being held if I were to give particulars of the numbers of bangs made or the areas in which they occurred at this stage. I shall publish full details later. Although there has been no direct consultation with local authorities, the general nature of the exercise and its purpose have been announced and widely reported. I shall consider what further tests, if any, should be held when the present exercise is finished. In so doing, I shall have the need to safeguard amenities very much in mind.