§ 98. Mr. Allaunasked the Minister of Aviation if he will inquire into the supersonic bang over Lancashire on Sun day, 6th March, which broke windows, triggered off fire alarms and caused wide spread alarm; and if he will publish the results of his inquiry.
§ Mr. MulleyThe aircraft which probably caused the bang was not under Ministry of Aviation control but was being tested at subsonic speeds by the 545W manufacturer to meet an export order. It would appear that a pilot inadvertently exceeded the speed of sound during the test manoeuvres. The manufacturer has invariably carried out all supersonic tests over the sea and will, in future, carry out subsonic tests there also in those instances where there is any possibility of the speed of sound being exceeded accidentally during test manoeuvres.