HC Deb 22 August 1945 vol 413 c603
35. Colonel Wheatley

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether now that the war is over he will give the necessary instructions to limit, as far as possible, night flying over residential areas.

Mr. Strachey

Instructions have already been issued that night flying in this country is to be kept to a minimum. But some night flying, in the course of which aircraft must sometimes pass over built-up areas, is necessary if we are to have an efficient Air Force.

Colonel Wheatley

Is my hon. Friend aware that this practice is going on continuously, and not only over certain residential areas?

Mr. Strachey

There will have to be a certain amount of night training. I do not think we can possibly agree to abolish that. One aircraft can make a lot of noise, but it will be kept to a minimum.

Mrs. Paton

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in my constituency this nuisance is such that people have been driven literally crazy; and is it necessary for pilots to pass over houses at 200 ft. up, in order to learn night flying?

Mr. Strachey

I should think not; perhaps my hon. Friend will give me an example.