§ 7. Mr. Yorkasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether any steps can be taken to abate or reduce the disturbance caused to inhabitants of the villages surrounding Linton-on-Ouse aerodrome by night-flying operations.
§ Mr. de FreitasWe have reduced night flying in this country to the minimum necessary for an efficient Air Force. We must use Linton-on-Ouse, but after next month there should be less noise near there from aircraft during the night.
§ Mr. YorkIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the main cause of disturbance is the practising of landings? Cannot this be done at a different aerodrome, rather than at the training aerodrome?
§ Mr. de FreitasThe most noisy unit at that airfield is being transferred to another airfield in the hon. Member's constituency, but there will be no greater noise than at present at that other airfield.
§ Mr. TurtonIs the hon. Gentleman aware that at not only this airfield, but two neighbouring ones, planes practise night flying, so that this area of the country is having very disturbed rest? Will he consider spreading the burden over other airfields in other constituencies?
§ Mr. de FreitasWe are trying to be fair to everyone and, over all, we have reduced night flying in this country to a minimum.
§ Air-Commodore HarveyWill the hon. Gentleman give an assurance that the efficiency of the Air Force will not suffer on account of Questions put by Members of Parliament?
§ Mr. de FreitasYes, Sir.