§ 18. Sir F. Medlicottasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if he is aware of the disturbance which is caused in many areas by flying of Service aircraft on Sundays; and if he will make arrangements with a view to such flying being discontinued, or considerably lessened, during that part of the morning and evening normally devoted to the holding of religious services.
Mr. WardWeekend training must be carried out, particularly by the Royal Auxiliary Air Force and the Royal Observer Corps. I regret that this makes some disturbance inevitable, but instructions are in force to restrict flying as much as possible during the hours of church services on Sundays.
§ Sir F. MedlicottWhile appreciating the great importance of weekend training, may I ask the Minister if he is aware that in many parts of East Anglia there are many Sundays of almost continuous flying by single aircraft and by aircraft in formation, and that even the shortest break during the hours of worship would be greatly appreciated?
Mr. WardDuring the hours of church services, the aircraft of the Royal Air Force are normally grounded or under instructions to fly so high that they do not create disturbance. Instructions naturally vary throughout the country to 573 take account of the local hours of worship. What I can assure my hon. Friend is that we shall do all we possibly can not to create disturbance during the hours of church services within the limits of Service training.