§ 107. Mr. Dribergasked the Minister of Technology what precise and detailed research is being done on the effects of sonic boom on the well-being of patients in hospitals and mental hospitals, on the health of animals, on glass-houses and windows in buildings of various kinds, including stained glass, and on the fabric of ancient buildings.
§ Mr. BennMy Department and other Departments concerned will investigate any reports of adverse effects of sonic booms. We also have a programme of scientific research into the nature and effects of sonic bangs which bears on several of the problems mentioned.
§ 108. Mr. Dribergasked the Minister of Technology what public reaction there has been so far to the current series of sonic-boom tests; since these tests are of a low intensity officially regarded as tolerable, what information on the probable public reactions to higher intensity tests he expects to obtain from them; and if it is his intention to initiate a series of higher-intensity tests, again without warning the public when and where they are to occur.
§ Mr. BennA number of complaints and inquiries have been received. The Government will have to decide whether higher intensity tests should be initiated in the light of the results of the current series. I prefer not to anticipate in detail the information which this series will provide about higher intensity tests, but valuable lessons should be learned.