asked the Secretary of State for Trade what discussions his Department has had with the Bristol University team regarding the complaints of noises made from North Petherton, Somerset; and if he will make a statement.

An official of my Department has had discussions with the Bristol University team, which, I understand, has not yet completed its investigations. There has been a tendency to link the reported noises with Concorde but it appears that, while some of the noises complained of coincide with Concorde flights, the recordings made are untypical of Concorde sonic boom. In addition, some complaints have been made on days when Concorde was not flying. I am advised that, in the university's opinion, the noises recorded at North Petherton are not such as to give rise to any damage to persons or structures. My Department will continue to keep in touch with the university team.