HC Deb 22 August 1945 vol 413 cc601-2
30. Mr. Spearman

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air for what reasons so much low flying is permitted over Scarborough, as it causes great annoyance.

Mr. Strachey

Unauthorised low flying is contrary to regulations and is subject to heavy penalties. A special watch is being kept at Scarborough in order that offenders may be identified and punished. In bad weather, however, aircraft returning from exercises over the sea may have to fly low when following the coast line back to base.

Mr. Boothby

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the practice of low flying is prevalent also in North-East Scotland, and will he draw the attention of station commanders in that area to the practice and direct that it should now cease?

Sir Waldron Smithers

Before the hon. Gentleman replies, may I add to that supplementary question the districts of Orpington and Petts Wood, where low-flying planes are very common?

Mr. Janner

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the same remarks apply to Leicester?

Mr. Strachey

These conditions may prevail in many parts of the country, but we cannot go so far as to prohibit all low flying when safety may require it.