§ 87. Mr. R. Harrisasked the Minister of Civil Aviation if he has investigated the further facts submitted to him by the hon. Member for Heston and Isleworth showing that a Comet aeroplane flew over Hounslow, Heston and Cranford at a height of about 150 feet on 18th May; if he has yet ascertained who gave the order for the aeroplane to be flown in this manner; for what purpose the flight was intended; and if he is yet in a position to make a comprehensive statement.
§ Mr. MaudlingYes. The aeroplane was on a training flight under the direction of B.O.A.C. and clearance for the missed approach practice was given by the Air Traffic Control authorities at London Airport.
I cannot, however, accept the view that the aeroplane flew over Hounslow, Heston and Cranford at a height of about 97W 150 feet. I have carefully examined all available evidence including the representations from the hon. Member for Heston and Isleworth (Mr. R. Harris). This seems to me to indicate beyond reasonable doubt that the aircraft never descended below 500 feet, at which height it was cleared to fly over the airport and that its height over Cranford would probably have been between 800 and 600 feet.