HC Deb 14 July 1964 vol 698 cc214-5W
Mr. Speir

asked the Minister of Aviation why it is necessary for aircraft for which his Department is responsible to fly at supersonic speeds over land in Great Britain.

Mr. Marten

Most supersonic flying is carried out over the sea, but in exceptional circumstances, for instance when in the course of aircraft development a particular test is being made for the first time, it is advisable that the flight should be over land. There is then a greater chance that, if something goes wrong, the pilot will be saved and the aircraft or its wreckage recovered. The flight paths are, of course, always carefully selected and controlled so as to be over sparsely populated areas. In other instances, aircraft engaged in weapon trials over the sea sometimes have to accelerate to supersonic speed overland before reaching the test area.

Mr. Speir

asked the Minister of Aviation what percentage of aircraft for which his Department is responsible which have broken the sound barrier during the past 12 months, have done so over the sea; and what percentage have done so over the land in Great Britain.

Mr. Marten

During the 12 months which ended on 30th June, 1964, approximately 90 per cent. of these supersonic

NUMBERS OF PUPILS IN MAINTAINED PRIMARY AND. SECONDARY SCHOOLS CHISLEHURST AND SIDCUP AND ORPINGTON DIVISION OF KENT
— January, 1952 January, 1964
No. of Schools Boys Girls Total No. of Schools Boys Girls Total
Primary … … 49 — — 13,105 57 — — 15,361 (134)
Grammar … … 2 587 514 1,101 4 1,296 1,163 2,459 (688)
Technical … … 1 — 503 503 2 751 715 1,466 (307)
Modern … … 9 — — 5,464 15 — — 6,984 (338)
The figures in brackets for 1964 indicate the number of pupils under 5 in primary schools and over 15 in secondary schools included in the totals. Comparable figures for 1952 are not available.