§ Sir R. Glynasked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that an accident occurred at 189, Whitecross, Wootton Road, Abingdon, on 17th November, when a towing cable attached to an aircraft caught the overhead wires and uprooted poles on private property; whether any assurance can be given to the residents in the neighbourhood of Abingdon Airfield that in future aircraft will be instructed not to fly so low as to risk a similar accident; and what compensation will be paid for the damage done.
§ Mr. A. HendersonAircraft taking part in glider towing practice usually drop their tow rope when the glider has been released, but on this occasion, owing to a technical failure, the rope was not dropped. The pilot was unaware of this and when the aircraft was landing the rope caught in some airfield lighting poles on the edge of the airfield, which are the property of the Air Ministry, and pulled them down. No damage was caused to private property and the question of compensation does not, therefore, arise. I am considering the petition from local residents about low flying from this airfield and I hope to reply shortly.