HC Deb 15 December 1969 vol 793 c230W
Mr. Hugh Jenkins

asked the Minister of Technology whether he is satisfied that Concorde over-pressure will not cause the structural damage to buildings which other sonic bangs have caused; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Carmichael

I do not know what incidents my hon. Friend has in mind, but I am satisfied that Concorde should not cause structural damage to well maintained buildings. As is well known, the Department is researching into the possible effects on buildings of all kinds, particularly cathedrals and ancient monuments.

Mr. Hugh Jenkins

asked the Minister of Technology whether he is satisfied that the Concorde sonic bang will be of lower intensity than that of military aircraft; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Carmichael

The intensity of an aircraft's sonic bang depends upon the manner and conditions in which it is flown, and there is no simple answer to this question. But Concorde's bang will be of a far lower intensity than, for example, that of military aircraft manoeuvring super sonically at low level.