HC Deb 12 November 1947 vol 444 cc86-7W
99 and 100. Mr. Medlicott

asked the Secretary of State for Air (1) if he is aware that the Hellesdon Parish Council, Norfolk, and the various inhabitants in that parish, are still awaiting information upon their claims for damage stated to be due to low flying aircraft, which information was promised in a letter dated 9th July, 1947, sent by Headquarters, Eastern Fighter Sector, to all householders affected by the low flying; and will he cause this matter to be dealt with without further delay;

(2) if he is aware that the clerk to the St. Faith's and Aylsham Rural District Council, Norfolk, is still awaiting a reply to his letter written to the Air Ministry on 26th August, 1947, urging that a decision should be expedited in regard to the claims for damage to property caused by low flying aircraft over Hellesdon, as discussed at the conference between the Air Ministry and the local authorities on 20th December, 1946; what has been the cause of the delay; and when a reply can be expected.

Mr. de Freitas

I regret any apparent delay but detailed consideration, which has only recently been completed, has been given to these claims. No evidence has been received which supports the allegation that any damage has been caused by low flying R.A.F. aircraft. I regret, therefore, that I cannot make any promise of compensation to the residents of Hellesdon and St. Faith's and Aylsham, but any claim for damage which is clearly attributable to a low flying incident and can be identified with it, will be carefully examined.