§ 58. Mr. Oliverasked the Secretary of State for Air whether his attention has been drawn to the loss sustained by a Ripley, Derbyshire, farmer who lost 221 pullets worth £180 by reason of the low flying of a jet aircraft of the Royal Air Force over his chicken house causing the birds to take fright and run into the corners of the shed, suffocating those underneath; and whether, on satisfying himself as to those facts, he will ensure that adequate compensation will be paid for the loss sustained.
Mr. WardWe began to investigate this incident as soon as we heard of it. The aircraft probably responsible belongs to the Ministry of Aviation, and128W we are handling the claim on their behalf. Our inquiries are not yet completed, but proper compensation will certainly be paid as soon as we are satisfied of the facts.