HC Deb 28 July 1937 vol 326 cc3091-2
68. Captain Peter Macdonald

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that on several occa- sions recently pilots of Royal Air Force machines have indulged in elaborate stunting at low elevations over passenger vessels in the Solent; and whether he will take immediate steps to prevent further recurrences of this dangerous practice?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the last part of the question, stringent regulations exist prohibiting aerobatics at low altitude, and low flying over ships at sea or at anchor is forbidden except during operations or exercises which render such low flying necessary for their proper fulfilment.

Captain Macdonald

Is the Under-Secretary aware of the dangers to passenger steamers in the Solent from this low flying which takes place every day, and will he take steps to see that it is stopped?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

I shall be grateful if hon. Members, if they have any cases like this, will send me details of the time and place, and possibly the number of the aircraft. Any specific case will be investigated.