§ Mr. Donald Stewartasked the Secretary of State for Trade what is the amount of loss to date on operating the Concorde aircraft.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisIt is not British Airways policy to publish the results of individual parts of their operations in advance of the annual report and accounts. Last year's report showed that for the first three months of Concorde services there was a loss of £2.3 million after charging a full share of allocated overheads, amortisation of £0.9 million and non-recurring launch costs of £1 million.
§ Mr. Hugh Jenkinsasked the Secretary of State for Trade what restrictions he proposes to make on the number of Concorde flights at Heathrow.
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§ Mr. Clinton DavisThe number of Concorde flights anticipated at Heathrow will not add noticeably to the overall noise disturbance. Accordingly, I do not propose making any restrictions.
§ Mr. Hugh Jenkinsasked the Secretary of State for Trade, pursuant to his remarks on 10th May 1976; what consideration he has given to the report by Dr. Norman S. Yeowart, PhD., of the University of Salford which stated that there could well be a significant hazard to the hearing of people living near Heathrow Airport from the noise of five or more departure overflights of Concorde per day; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisDr. Yeowart's report, which deals with a very complicated subject, is being considered carefully by my scientific and medical advisers, so I am unable yet to make a definitive statement. I can, however, say that the preliminary advice is that the conclusions drawn from his report, that the projected level of Concorde movements at Heathrow will damage hearing, cannot be substantiated.
§ Mr. Michael McNair-Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Trade what progress has been made by his officials with the Indian civil aviation authorities and Government to obtain overflying rights for Concorde.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisNone; I am considering when to reopen discussions with India.