§ 68. Mr. WALTER BAKERasked the Secretary of State for Air whether he has received a complaint from the Kings-wood Urban District Council regarding low flying at Hanham; whether he is aware that the aeroplanes flew on a series of circuits occupying no more than two or three minutes each just above the roofs of the public buildings in this area; that there are eight churches in a radius of one mile and that public worship was greatly disturbed; and whether he will take immediate action under the Air Navigation (Consolidation) Order, 1923?
§ Sir P. SASSOONThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the remaining parts of the question, my right hon. Friend is entirely in sympathy with the view that the activities of aircraft should cause no interference with religious worship, but he has no power under the Air Navigation Order or otherwise to prohibit flying either absolutely on Sunday or between particular hours on that day, nor does he think that he would be justified in seeking such power. I understand that the flying which gave occasion for the hon. Member's question, has now ceased. I would add that in so far as any unnecessarily low flying may have occurred, any breach of the Regulations under the Air Navigation Order would be a matter for the police.
§ Mr. BAKERHaving regard to the doubt that appears to exist in the Minister's mind as to the purpose of the Order, will he cause inquiries to be made and see whether it is not necessary to call the attention of the police to the powers that they possess?
§ Sir P. SASSOONThere is absolutely no doubt in my mind.