§ 139. Mr. Joynson-Hicksasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that distress and disturbance is being caused to residents and visitors throughout the Bognor Regis area of West Sussex by high-speed low-flying service aircraft; and what steps he is taking to alleviate the situation.
§ Mr. CallaghanI understand that the hon. and gallant Member is referring to aircraft flying from the Royal Naval Air Station, Ford. There is a general rule prohibiting low flying over populated areas, but aircraft must fly low on coming in to land, and on taking off. I recognise that when dummy deck landing practices are undertaken, as has been the case recently, some inconvenience is likely to be caused to residents in the neighbourhood of the airfield. I am sorry for this but it must be done as these practices are an essential part of the training of naval pilots.