Local Employment Act Financial Advisory Committee

HC Deb 08 May 1972 vol 836 cc260-1W

70. Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the total amount of financial assistance granted on the recommendation of the Local Employment Act Financial Advisory Committee, the number of firms in receipt of such assistance and the ratio of finance to jobs thereby created in each of the last 10 years.

Mr. Anthony Grant:

I regret that information is not readily available in precisely this form, but the following table gives details in respect of all assistance approved under Sections 3, 4 and 5 of the Act and the estimated employment. It is not possible to provide a meaningful ratio between this assistance and the employment provided since assistance is not the only factor influencing the creation of employment.

(2) what experiments in the measurement of the intensity of superbooms have been carried out in the Concorde flight programme, in view of the recent resolution of the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe on repercussions of supersonic civil flights on human and natural environment.

Mr. Onslow:

The increased overpressures which occur on acceleration to supersonic speed have been carefully studied. There has been very extensive supersonic flying over the sea and there is no record of superbooms having caused damage to ships. No special arrangements for the control of shipping are therefore envisaged.

Mr. Milian

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which countries have now taken a decision regarding supersonic flying over new territories; and if he will list the countries concerned and the decisions they have taken.

Mr. Onslow:

I have nothing to add to the reply my hon. Friend the Minister for Aerospace gave to the hon. Member for Putney (Mr. Hugh Jenkins) on 17th April, 1972.—[Vol. 835, c. 13–14.]

Miss Lestor

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans the Government have for prohibiting supersonic flights over Great Britain.

Mr. Onslow:

I have nothing to add to the reply given to the hon. Member for Cannock (Mr. Cormack) on 14th February.—[Vol. 831, c. 61.]