§ 5. Sir G. Nabarroasked the Minister of State for Defence whether he is aware that low-flying aircraft, presumed to be on military operations, showered pellets, of which samples have been sent to him, on Bredon Hill, and in particular on domestic premises occupied by constituents of the hon. Member for Worcestershire, South, and that one of the aircraft was identified by the fuselage markings; what steps he is taking to prevent this nuisance and noise in the area of Bredon Hill; and what instructions he has caused to be given to the pilots.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Defence for the Royal Air Force (Lord Lambton)I assume that my hon. Friend is referring to the aircraft with the registration G-AXBD about which he has written to me. This is a civil aircraft employed in agricultural aviation and is in no way the responsibility of the Ministry of Defence. Its activities are therefore a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, who I am sure will ensure in future that no pellets will be directed at my hon. Friend's constituents or himself.
§ Sir G. NabarroI fully exonerate the Ministry of Defence on this rare occasion for not showering missiles of one kind or another on my constituents. Would not my hon. Friend recognise that these pellets, as they are called—large granules—are excessively poisonous, should not be used and should be proscribed? Will he use his influence to prevent further missiles being distributed and to persuade the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to forbear on future occasions?
§ Lord LambtonI suggest that my hon. Friend uses his own influence on my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry.