HC Deb 26 July 1967 vol 751 cc181-2W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Minister of Technology whether he is aware of the damage caused to persons and property as a result of the recent sonic bang tests; what action should be taken by those suffering damage to claim financial reimbursement; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Benn

A number of claims, which will be investigated, have been received. Further claims, giving appropriate details, should be made in writing to:— Ministry of Defence, Claims Commission, Queen Anne's Chambers, 41 Tothill Street, London, S.W.1.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Minister of Technology whether he is aware that 150 residents of the London Borough of Newham telephoned the Noise Abatement Society to complain about the noise from the supersonic bang in London on Monday, 17th July and that hundreds were unable to get through to complain; and what was the total number of complaints received by his Department.

Mr. Benn

I have nothing to add to the speech made by my hon. Friend the Member for Birkenhead on 25th July.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Minister of Technology whether he is aware that, during the recent supersonic bang experiments, the limited number of telephone lines available for complainants to contact his office meant that a wait of up to two and a half hours was experienced by many persons wishing to complain; and whether in the future he will advise the public that if they cannot get through to his department they can complain to him at Whitehall 6240 and the Prime Minister at Whitehall 1234.

Mr. Benn

When it became apparent that so many people preferred to telephone rather than write, we substantially increased the number of lines available, and as a result the delays in getting through were reduced.

I would not advise the public to use the numbers suggested by my hon. Friend, whether or not they can get through to my Department.

Mr. Elystan Morgan

asked the Minister of Technology how many sonic booms have been caused by aircraft under the control of his Department over the county of Cardigan or the adjoining coastline during the last two years.

Mr. Benn

About 100 flights at supersonic speed have taken place over the Cardiganshire coast in this period.