2. Air Commodore Harveyasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what precautions are being taken by the United States Air Force authorities to avoid aircraft from Manston airfield flying over the three adjacent towns in the immediate vicinity.
Mr. WardThe situation of Manston airfield and the direction of its main runway, limit what can be done to cut down flying over the nearby towns. For example, Westgate and Ramsgate are less than three miles from the main runway and in an almost direct line with it. My hon. and gallant Friend will, therefore, appreciate that it is often impracticable for aircraft using this runway to avoid passing over these towns. I am, however, in touch with the United States Air Force authorities. It may be possible to reduce the amount of flying over Margate and Broadstairs by adjusting the airfield circuit.
Air Commodore HarveyWhile thanking my hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask him to impress upon the American authorities that in view of the number of accidents which have occurred in the vicinity of Manston airfield, the public are really alarmed? Having once been stationed there myself for some years, I know that circuits can be carried out in another direction which would at least avoid the two towns which he has just mentioned.
Mr. WardThe United States authorities are very anxious to minimise the annoyance, inconvenience and danger to 2211 people living in this area. It is only possible to avoid Broadstairs and Margate either by doing a circuit out to sea or by having a variable circuit which as my hon. and gallant Friend knows has risks attached to it.