§ Mr. Muddasked the Minister of Aviation Supply how many supersonic test flights by Concorde over Cornwall are envisaged; and over what period will these flights take place.
§ Mr. CorfieldForty to fifty flights, including those that have already taken place, are envisaged over the next three years.
§ Mr. Muddasked the Minister of Aviation Supply how many complaints regarding the supersonic testing of Concorde over Cornwall had been received at the latest date of collation.
§ Mr. David PriceThe Department had received 313 complaints and 119 claims for damage from Cornwall by 16th November, 1970.
§ Mr. Muddasked the Minister of Aviation Supply how many complaints, and up to what date, concerning the supersonic testing of Concorde over Cornwall have been received from the hon. Member for Falmouth and Camborne on behalf of his constituents.
§ Mr. David PriceMy hon. Friend has notified me by 16th November of 156 401W complaints he had received about these tests. Seventy-six of these complaints were in the form of letters which were forwarded to my Department.
§ Mr. Muddasked the Minister of Aviation Supply how many letters supporting Concorde supersonic test programme have been received from people living directly beneath, or immediately adjacent to, the flight path; and up to what date these figures relate.
§ Mr. CorfieldBy 16th November three such letters had been received.
§ Mr. Muddasked the Minister of Aviation Supply if he will examine the possibility of a more extensive and accurate early warning system to advise the public of Concorde's supersonic tests, by greater use of the medium-wave and long-wave services of the British Broadcasting Corporation.
§ Mr. CorfieldIn addition to giving 24 hours' advance warning of when flights may be expected, the British Aircraft Corporation will in future inform B.B.C. regional radio stations in the areas concerned when Concorde has taken off for a supersonic flight on the west coast route. I hope this will provide a more accurate warning.
§ Mr. Muddasked the Minister of Aviation Supply if he will initiate an immediate social survey in the areas affected by supersonic test flights of Concorde to establish the difference between public reaction to tests as a temporary inconvenience and general reaction to the prospect of scheduled supersonic flights over land.
§ Mr. CorfieldA survey of reactions to Concorde test flights already being undertaken covers the point that my hon. Friend has in mind.