§ 34. Mr. John H. Osbornasked the Secretary of State for Defence how many Air Force manoeuvres have taken place at night during June; if he is aware of the disturbance caused by low-flying aircraft to those living in the Sheffield area; and what restrictions are now imposed on RAF and NATO aircraft when flying over densely populated areas.
§ Mr. JohnNo military aircraft may fly over a built-up area at less than 2,000 ft. above ground level. In June seven low-level flights by military aircraft took place at night in an extensive area to the south of Sheffield. There have been several complaints about aircraft flying low over Sheffield during July, and these are still under investigation. So far it has been established that there was some military180W activity over the city on the night of 8th July, but first reports suggest that this was at a height of 7,000 ft. We will shortly be sending an investigator to the Sheffield area to examine the complaints in greater detail.