§ 55. Mr. Kershawasked the Secretary of State for Air what steps he has taken, and what steps he will take, to reduce the 373 disturbance to life in the parish of Kemble by flying from Kemble Aerodrome; and whether he will make a statement.
The Under-Secretary of State for Air (Mr. Charles Ian Orr-Ewing)Most of the flying from Kemble is done by aircraft from the Central Flying School at Little Rissington. As a result of strong representations, we have changed the programme and pattern of flying as far as we can to reduce the inevitable disturbance. Last year, night flying at Kemble continued after midnight on only nine occasions; and wherever possible aircraft using the main runway take off to the west, and head away from Kemble village. I myself recently visited the Central Flying School to see if there was anything further we could do, and we shall continue to watch the problem closely.
§ Mr. KershawWhile appreciating what my hon. Friend has been able to do, may ask whether he is aware that the noise made by these aircraft makes life in Kemble parish almost intolerable? Is he aware that the rates of the houses there have recently been brought down by 25 per cent. for this reason, and no other; and will he keep the situation closely under review?
Mr. Orr-EwingMy right hon. Friend and myself are most anxious to reduce to a minimum disturbance which affects not only my hon. Friend's constituency but, I think, yours, too, Mr. Speaker. I only hope we can control the noise and disturbance as efficiently as you control noise and disturbance in this House, Mr. Speaker, but, in extremis, you can suspend the Sitting; I am afraid that we cannot suspend flying training.