HC Deb 03 August 1966 vol 733 cc127-8W
106. Mr. Brooks

asked the Minister of Aviation what progress has been made to date in scientifically assessing the potential hazards to crew and passengers in the Concord airliner during solar bursts of radiation.

Mr. Mulley

To avoid any possible hazard an airborne radiation detecting system has been developed which will warn the pilot of any increase in radiation intensity above limits agreed by the Medical Research Council. This will enable him to reduce height to an altitude where the radiation level is acceptable.

107. Mr. Brooks

asked the Minister of Aviation what progress has been made to date in scientifically assessing the hazards to health and property presented by the Concord aircraft's sonic boom.

Mr. Mulley

Experiments have shown that sonic bangs of the intensity expected to be caused by the Concord do not damage structurally sound buildings. There is no evidence so far that sonic bangs are injurious to health.