§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the Secretary of State for Air whether his attention has been drawn to the claim of Mr. W. E. Dean, of West Gomeldon, Salisbury. Wilts, for compensation in respect of damage caused to his flock of ewes whilst in lamb, but to fright by aeroplanes sweeping close to the ground; whether he is aware that witnesses can prove that the aeroplanes in question belonged to the Royal Air Force and that expert evidence has been obtained that the condition of the animals was not due to any disease; and whether, in view of the loss to this farmer of some £600, he will have the claim for compensation reconsidered?
§ Sir S. HOAREThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the remaining parts, on receipt of Mr. Dean's claim very exhaustive inquiries were made, but no trace could be found of the flight of any Royal Air Force machine over Mr. Dean's land on the date in question, and no satisfactory evidence that such a machine was involved has been produced. Moreover, the highest possible professional opinion has been obtained that the outbreak of abortion from which Mr. Dean's flock suffered could not have been caused by the alleged act of low flying on the 25th February, 1926, and in the circumstances no payment of compensation can be made.