§ 33. Mr. DAYasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the number of complaints that have been made to the Air Ministry during the previous two years for either low or dangerous flying in Great Britain by service aircraft; and will he give particulars of what action has been taken by his Department?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Mr. Montague)I regret that it would not be practicable to give the actual number of complaints of this character without a laborious scrutiny of records. I can, however, assure my hon. Friend that it is relatively small, and that every complaint is the subject of most careful investigation. Suitable disciplinary action is taken in every case in which the complaint is substantiated.
§ Mr. DAYCan my hon. Friend say whether the police have asked for his collaboration in any prosecutions against these pilots?
§ Mr. MONTAGUEAs far as the Royal Air Force is concerned, it is not a question of police collaboration as there are rules affecting these particular cases.
§ Mr. EDECan my hon. Friend say what is the maximum punishment inflicted in any one case with regard to suitable disciplinary action?
§ Mr. MONTAGUENo, I cannot answer that question without notice, but I can inform the hon. Member that there have been 10 cases of general court-martial.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENIs it not a fact that there is no objection to flying by night; it is only to flying by day?