HC Deb 30 September 1942 vol 383 cc749-50
11. Mr. John Dugdale

asked the Secretary of State for Air, whether alternative accommodation has now been found for the civilians living on the aerodrome of which he has been informed; and whether there are any operational aerodromes on which civilians are still allowed to live?

Sir A. Sinclair

Alternative accommodation for the civilians referred to in the first part of the Question has not yet been found. The answer to the second part is that a number of civilians are employed in various capacities on operational aerodromes. In addition, it does occasionally happen that alternative accommodation cannot be found for civilians whose houses have been included within the boundaries of an aerodrome, and that they have to be left temporarily in residence.

Mr. Dugdale

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in this case, and possibly in others, the civilians are able to get out at night when the aerodrome is closed, and that they go into the public houses in the village and explain that the aerodrome is closed at night for operational reasons? Does he think that this is satisfactory?

Sir A. Sinclair

I was not aware of that fact until, my hon. Friend informed me of it. The position is that the movements of these civilians, as they live in a protected area, are, of course, under the control of the officer commanding the station. Now that my hon. Friend has brought these facts to my notice, I am having inquiries made.