HC Deb 16 March 1949 vol 462 cc2110-1
53. Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for Air if he is aware that, owing to Royal Air Force activities, the afternoon air service on Monday, 7th March, from Renfrew to Northolt, was delayed for three hours; and what steps he is taking to prevent such interruption in the future.

Mr. de Freitas

A large air defence exercise was held in the Forth-Clyde area on this day and I am advised that, as the weather was such that Instrument Flight Rules were in force, the civil operators did not allow their aircraft to fly through the area until the weather improved. Traffic control arrangements have been made which should avoid delays on this account in future.

Mr. Rankin

Is my hon. Friend aware that recent happenings, this included, are causing grave disquiet amongst passengers using the civil air service from Renfrew to Northolt?

Mr. de Freitas

I am not aware of any such disquiet. If the hon. Member's constituents are to be protected in wartime, the Royal Air Force have to have exercises in peace-time.

Mr. Scollan

Is my hon. Friend aware that the actual passengers for this plane had turned up at Renfrew before the people at Renfrew airport were informed that it was unsafe to fly owing to these military operations?

Mr. de Freitas

I am not so aware. The decision to fly or not is, of course, a matter for the corporation.