HC Deb 30 May 1911 vol 26 cc1029-30

(1) A Secretary of State may for the purpose of protecting the public from danger from time to time by order prohibit the navigation of aircraft over such areas as may be prescribed in the order, and if any person navigates an aircraft or allows an aircraft to be navigated over any such area in contravention of any such order, he shall be guilty of an offence under this Act.

(2) Any such order may apply either generally to all aircraft or to aircraft of such classes and descriptions only as may be specified in the order, and may prohibit the navigation of aircraft over any such prescribed area either at all times or at such times or on such occasions only as may be specified in the order, and either absolutely or subject to such exceptions or conditions as may be so specified.

Amendments made:—

In Sub-section (1) leave out the words "or allow an aircraft to be navigated" ["over any such area in contravention of any such order"].

At end of Sub-section (1) insert the words "unless he proves that he was compelled to do so by reason of stress of weather, or other circumstances over which he had no control."—[Mr. Churchill.]

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Clause, as amended, stand part of the Bill."

Mr. LEE

This Clause gives great power to prescribe areas. I hope we may take it it is not intended that that power shall be exercised to an unreasonable extent I?

Mr. CHURCHILL

The only intention is to safeguard fortified places, and to prevent flying over the heads of very large public concourses.

Question put, and agreed to.