HC Deb 06 July 1949 vol 466 cc2147-8
76. Brigadier Medlicott

asked the Secretary of State for Air if he has considered the representations made to him by the parish council of Horsham and Newton St. Faiths, Norfolk, concerning recent aerial activity over that district; and what steps he is taking to overcome the difficulties to which his attention has thus been drawn.

Mr. de Freitas

Yes, Sir. A letter has been sent to the parish council setting out the reasons why we cannot do as they ask and stop flying from Horsham St. Faith on Sundays. Sunday flying from this airfield has already been cut down as far as possible and is at present limited to seven or eight Sundays a year, when it is necessary for special exercises and training.

Brigadier Medlicott

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the constituents upon whose behalf this Question was put raise no objection whatever to the existence of these exercises as such, the importance of which they fully recognise, but feel that, owing to the close proximity of this airfield to the built-up area, residents there have to bear an unfair share of this unavoidable inconvenience?

Mr. de Freitas

It is true that residents there are bearing an unfair share of the unavoidable inconvenience. I very much regret that this training must go on.