§ 34. Mr. LEWISasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether his attention has been called to the fact that, on the occasion of the Football Association Cup Final at Wembley on 25th April, a number of aeroplanes towing advertisement streamers and of autogiros carrying photographers flew round the area of the stadium; and whether he will cause inquiry to be made as to the advisability of prohibiting flights of this kind where large crowds are gathered in future?
Major DAVIESI have been asked to reply. I am advised, first, that the police found nothing in the flying carried out at Wembley to justify action by them against those responsible; second, that no danger was involved which would have justified my Noble Friend in issuing a prohibition of flying over the stadium in the interests of public safety. I understand that flying for the purpose of photographing the cup final is no innovation, and it was not considered that there was sufficient reason to justify intervention by the Air Ministry. Whether or not any action should be taken in the interest of public safety must depend on the circumstances of the particular case.
§ Mr. LEWISCan the hon. and gallant Gentleman say whether in such a case it was necessary to obtain a special permit from the Air Ministry?
§ Mr. G. GRIFFITHSIs it not a fact that this was one of the reasons why Sheffield lost the cup?