§ 22. Mr. KINGasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that on 26th May five aeroplanes went up at Cullen, county Cork, and continued to circle very low over a meeting for singing, bagpipe music, and dancing, called an aeridhacht, that flame rockets were dropped repeatedly, and that the public interpreted these manoeuvres as intended to terrify and disperse the gathering; whether this use of the aeroplanes was made on police or military orders; and whether, in view of the greater need of our air forces elsewhere, such air demonstrations in Ireland will be discontinued?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONFive aeroplanes did circle over a meeting at Cullen on the 26th May, at the request of the military authorities. The five machines used were for training purposes.
§ Mr. KINGCan we have an assurance that this is a very exceptional incident, and that aeroplanes will not be used to terrorise a peaceful meeting?
§ General McCALMONTBefore the right hon. Gentleman answers that supplementary question, may I ask whether loyal citizens with clear consciences have got anything to fear from British aeroplanes?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONNo, I think not. I cannot give any assurance such as my hon. Friend asks.
§ Mr. KINGIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware of the immense noise made by five aeroplanes flying over a meeting?
§ Mr. SPEAKERWhen we have 120 questions on the Paper, it is a pity to waste time in this way over such a small matter