§ 42. Mr. Neaveasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he has considered the complaints submitted to him of noise and low flying by aircraft of Transport Command stationed at Abingdon; and whether he will take all reasonable steps to reduce such noise and disturbance to people living near the aerodrome, particularly during hours of darkness.
Mr. WardWe are doing all we can to reduce disturbance to local residents at night while the north-south runway at 1917 Abingdon is being repaired. For the time being, there will be flying on fewer nights in the week, and one exercise about which there has been particular complaint will be carried out only in the daytime. I much regret any inconvenience that has been caused, but, as my hon. Friend knows, the continuation training done at Abingdon is absolutely essential for the safety of those who fly in these transport aircraft.
§ Mr. NeaveI thank my hon. Friend for his reply. Will he say when the expects the repairs to the north-south runway to be completed?