§ Mr. Hugh Jenkinsasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he has studied the report by Dr. Harold Johnstone of the University of California on the effects of supersonic transport exhaust in the stratosphere, a copy of which has been sent to him; and if he will arrange for the subject to be examined in this country and for a report to be published, having regard to the nature of Dr. Johnstone's conclusions.
§ Mr. CorfieldDr. Johnstone's report, which considered the effect of nitrogen oxides from S.S.T.s' exhaust, has been examined in the light of similar analyses made in this country and taking account of the known composition of Concorde's engine exhaust. Our studies indicate that the effect of operating even a large fleet of Concorde aircraft will be less than the range of normal changes from natural variations and will not lead to the harmful effects suggested by Dr. Johnstone. I will inform the House if we find any cause to modify our view.