§ 61. Captain GARRO-JONESasked the Secretary of State for Air, in view of the facts that local residents have protested to the officer commanding Kenley Aerodrome against the amount of low flying that is carried on over their houses, and that two flying officers have already lost their lives by crashing into a house in that neighbourhood, in what respect Kenley Aerodrome is indispensable for low flying practice, while fully equipped and more remote and rural air stations are available?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Sir Samuel Hoare)The situation of Kenley Aerodrome is of great importance in relation to the air defences of the country and it is essential that active use should be made and experience gained of the aerodrome. It would not be satisfactory to have the training of the units allotted to this station carried out elsewhere, even if there were, which there is not, another station available for the purpose. As stated in my reply on the 17th June, all avoidable low flying is prevented, and the low flying which does take place is inevitable in the normal training of service squadrons.
§ Captain GARRO-JONESWhat does the right hon. Gentleman mean when he says that there is no other station available for low flying practice?
§ Sir S. HOAREWhat I mean is that I cannot get on without facilities for training in this station.
§ Captain BRASSIs it not absolutely necessary to have a certain amount of low flying in getting off and landing at any aerodrome?
§ Sir S. HOAREThere is no more low flying at this station than at a great many other stations.