asked the Minister of Aviation what studies are being undertaken of the noise levels that are likely to be produced by the Concord aircraft during its landing approach and after take-off; and if he will make a statement.

Comprehensive studies are being undertaken by the aircraft and aero-engine manufacturers and also at the National Gas Turbine Establishment. Present indications are that the Concord will be less noisy on take-off and landing beneath the flight path than existing jets, but the noise to the side of the aircraft at take-off is still a cause of concern.

From his knowledge so far, does the right hon. Gentleman foresee that the Concord will operate in and out of Heathrow?

I have no reason to suppose that it will not.

Is it right that, if the Concord were taking off from Heathrow, going to America, the supersonic bang would not occur anywhere near Heathrow but would come as far away, perhaps, as Fishguard on the Welsh coast?

In these answers I am dealing not with the separate problem of the supersonic bang but with the noise level comparable with the noise made by existing jet aircraft.