HC Deb 18 June 1928 vol 218 cc1404-5
17. Mr. A. V. ALEXANDER

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he has received any representations from the United Methodist Church with regard to Sunday aviation displays in the vicinity of Norton, near Sheffield; and, if so, whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

The SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Sir Samuel Hoare)

I have received one communication deprecating Sunday flying at Norton and another from a different source urging that it should be continued, as it is only on Sundays that many people have the leisure to see flying and it can be so arranged as not to interfere with divine worship. As regards my power to take action in such a case, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Bristol, East (Mr. W. Baker) on 14th June.

Captain GARRO-JONES

Can the right hon. Gentleman say from what source be received the communication urging that Sunday flying should be continued?

Sir S. HOARE

Both communications came from residents in the district.

Mr. ALEXANDER

Has the right hon. Gentleman satisfied himself that the actual arrangements made for this flying are such as to prevent interference with Divine Service?

Sir S. HOARE

I have not been able to do that, because this is the first intimation I have had that there is any cause for complaint. I will do so, but I have no legal powers, in any case, to stop them.

Period. Fresh and renewal claims made. Average number of claims current. Total number of claims disallowed.*
1927.
15th March to 11th April … … … 662,669 999,975 81,849
12th April to 9th May … … … 602,415 958,843 67,324
1928.
13th March to 18th April … … … 843,271 968,691 73,563
19th April to 14th May … … … 742,568 1,010,052 71,723
* These figures relate to the first decision given on the claims and include the cases in which the decision was reversed on appeal.