§ 43. Mr. RHYS DAVIES (for Mr. MORGAN JONES)asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that on the occasion of a funeral at Finchley cemetery, on Thursday, 22nd June, a number of large aeroplanes circled over the cemetery during the service, making it impossible for those assembled to hear the officiating minister and causing great distress to the mourners; and whether he will take steps 1662 to prevent the recurrence of such an event?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Sir Philip Sassoon)I have no knowledge of the incident, but I should be glad if the hon. Member would convey my regret to those concerned for the distress that has been caused. It is probable that the case occurred inadvertently in the special circumstances of preparation for the Royal Air Force training display. In normal circumstances no such incident should occur. Strict regulations on the subject are already in force.
§ Mr. DAVIESWould it be possible, as an act of grace, to send to the family concerned a letter from the Department; and is there any possibility of taking steps for the future to prevent this happening again?
§ Sir P. SASSOONAs regards the first part of the supplementary question, certainly that shall be done if the hon. Member will give me the details, as to which I have no information. As to the second part, everything is done to prevent an incident of this sort occurring. As I have said, it was probably due in this case to special circumstances.