HC Deb 26 October 1932 vol 269 c965
16. Mr. LAMBERT

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if he will take precautions to prevent a recurrence of the disturbance of Divine service, such as occurred when permission was given for a flying demonstration at the Royal Air Force aerodrome, Okehampton, Devon, on Sunday, the 21st August last?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Sir Philip Sassoon)

My right hon Friend's suggestion represents the actual practice of the department. On the rare occasions when permission is granted for the use of a Royal Air Force aerodrome on a Sunday for civil flying, the promoters are invariably reminded of the necessity of avoiding, to the utmost extent possible, any interference with Divine worship. Such a warning was issued in the case referred to by my hon. Friend.

Mr. LAMBERT

Yes, but is the Under-Secretary aware that in this case there was a disturbance of Divine worship, despite what has been stated by the Air Ministry?

Sir P. SASSOON

We have made inquiries from the company concerned and they are unaware of any incident of that kind.

Mr. LAMBERT

Is it not the case that the Air Ministry have been approached on the matter?

Sir P. SASSOON

Not to my knowledge.

Lieut.-Commander AGNEW

Will the Under-Secretary take steps to prevent the use of aeroplanes under his control on Sundays?