HC Deb 15 May 1935 vol 301 cc1698-9
20. Captain CUNNINGHAM-REID

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he has considered the recommendation of the Gorell Committee on Civil Aviation relative to the conferring by the Secretary of State upon some approved person in control of an aerodrome of authority to prevent flights which contravene the regulations and are a cause of danger to persons on the ground or in the air; whether he has experimented in the sense recommended at any civil aerodrome; and, if so, whether the results attained have been satisfactory?

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

Yes, Sir. Action in accordance with the Committee's recommendation has already been taken in two cases, and is under consideration in a third case. The results so far have been satisfactory.

23 Major Sir SAMUEL HARVEY

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air (1) whether he is satisfied that the regulations to prevent flying over certain parts of London on Monday, 6th May, were complied with; and, if not, what steps have been taken against those who contravened them;

(2) whether he is satisfied that the regulations regarding low-flying over London were complied with during the week commencing 6th May; and, if not, what steps have been taken against those who contravened them;

(3) whether there are any regulations to prevent aircraft flying at low altitudes over London, carrying streamers or other devices for advertising purposes; if there were any cases of contravention of such regulations during the week commencing 6th May; and, if so, what steps have been taken against those who contravened them?

Sir P. SASSOON

The enforcement of the regulations governing flying over London is a matter for the police. Great importance is attached to their proper observance, in the general public interest, and, if my hon. and gallant Friend has any information indicating that they have been contravened, I should be grateful to have it, and will assure him that action will be taken.

Sir S. HARVEY

Was my right hon. Friend's attention called to a particular aeroplane which has recently been flying over London advertising some film, and another one advertising a radio set, which appeared to be flying very low, with a long streamer behind it?

Captain HAROLD BALFOUR

May I ask what assistance the Air Ministry gives to the Home Office in order to enable an ordinary constable in the London streets to tell whether an aeroplane is contravening the regulations or not?

Sir P. SASSOON

There are cases when it is obvious that aeroplanes are flying too low.

Mr. CHARLES WILLIAMS

May I ask how the policeman arrests the aeroplane?