§ 70. Mr. Bishopasked the Minister of Civil Aviation if he is aware of the disturbance caused to residents on Harrow Hill, and in particular to Harrow Hospital and Harrow School, by low-flying aircraft; and what action he will take to diminish this inconvenience.
§ Mr. MaudlingI regret the disturbance caused to residents in this neighbourhood, which is unavoidable. In the prevailing westerly wind aircraft approaching to land on the main runway at Northolt have to fly over the residential area because it is directly in line with the runway and only about three miles away.
§ 71. Mr. R. Harrisasked the Minister of Civil Aviation why the Supermarine Swift aircraft, which made record flights to Brussels on 8th and 9th July, was permitted to go from London Airport; if he is aware that the aeroplane had to pass the control tower at full speed at a height of about 200 feet in order to break the beam of the timing apparatus to set it in motion; if he is further aware that the noise resulting therefrom was distressing to the residents of Cranford and Hounslow and that in many cases the noise, owing to its suddenness and unexpectedness, had the effect of causing nervous shock; and what action he proposes to take to ensure that this does not occur again.
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§ Mr. MaudlingI regret that the Super-marine Swift aircraft on its record speed flight on 9th July, between London and Brussels has caused disturbance to the residents near London Airport. Takeoff from London Airport was allowed as this airport was the most suitable within the area demanded by the F.A.I. sporting rules for the timing of capital to capital speed records. Under the F.A.I. rules the aircraft has to pass low over the official observers at a height of less than 100 metres, to permit positive identification and to enable the timing apparatus to be started by the observers. After this the aircraft climbed rapidly; it crossed the eastern boundary of the airport at 1,500 ft. and continued to climb to 15,000 ft.
I have taken note, however, of the views expressed by my hon. Friend, and these will be considered.