HC Deb 18 July 1967 vol 750 cc222-4W
66. Mr. Fletcher-Cooke

asked the Minister of Technology by what means and in what manner the people of Southern England are to communicate to him their reaction to sonic boom tests.

Mr. Benn

As has already been indicated through the Press, communications should be sent in writing to the Ministry of Technology.

67. Mr. Fletcher-Cooke

asked the Minister of Technology whether he proposes to subject the people of Northern England to sonic boom tests.

Mr. Benn

No decisions have yet been taken about sonic bang tests other than the preliminary series now in progress.

68. Sir Clive Bossom

asked the Minister of Technology if he will take steps to ensure that a carefully controlled scientific observation of the effect of sonic booms on livestock of all types and embryonic development, such as was asked for by the National Farmers' Union in October, 1964, is now carried out.

Mr. Bean

The Government will take this suggestion into account if it decides to go ahead with large-scale series of sonic bang tests.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Minister of Technology why the Minister of State officially informed the Daily Telegraph Air Correspondent on Tuesday, 4th July, that he would not announce where or when the supersonic test flights were undertaken until several days after they had taken place; what is the reason for this secrecy; and whether he will arrange for an announcement to be made immediately or shortly after they have taken place.

Mr. Benn

The remark attributed to my hon. Friend was made at a Press Conference on 4th July after Questions in the House. The tests now being undertaken are designed to assess spontaneous reactions.

Mr. Elystan Morgan

asked the Minister of Technology if, in the sonic boom tests recently carried out by Lightning aircraft, the loudness of the boom is comparable with that which can be expected from the Concord aircraft flying at supersonic speed.

Mr. Benn

The bangs made by Lightning aircraft are not of the same intensity or type as those to be expected from Concord.

Mr. Elystan Morgan

asked the Minister of Technology how the loudness of a sonic bang from a Lightning aircraft flying at cruising speed compares with a Concord aircraft flying at the same altitude at its expected normal cruising speed, hearing in mind the difference in mass and weight between the two makes of aircraft.

Mr. Benn

At the same altitude as a Lightning aircraft, the bang from Concord would be louder. However, the Concord will, when in airline service, fly higher and this will reduce the boom.

Mr. Elystan Morgan

asked the Minister of Technology what information his Department has obtained of the likely or possible effect which Concord aircraft flying at cruising speed will have on both people and buildings within a distance of 10 miles to its flight path.

Mr. Benn

It will not be possible to obtain a fully accurate assessment of the effect of a Concord aircraft sonic bang until Concord is flying.

Mr. Ellis

asked the Minister of Technology (1) how many complaints he has had from the Bristol area with regard to sonic bangs; and how many of these involved claims for damages;

(2) how many complaints he has had from areas of the country other than the Bristol area with regard to sonic bangs.

Mr. Benn

I would ask my hon. Friend to await a comprehensive statement I shall make on the tests, when they are concluded.

Mr. Ellis

asked the Minister of Technology why it was decided that sonic bang tests were necessary, in view of the official proposal that the Concord should not attain supersonic speed over land.

Mr. Benn

Although a supersonic airliner using a British airport could be kept subsonic over the United Kingdom, with supersonic airliners overflying this country different considerations might apply. The tests are necessary to allow the Government to decide whether or not such flights should be permitted.