§ 68. Mr. Chapmanasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he has now completed his investigation into the low flying of a Royal Air Force aeroplane over Bartley Green, Birmingham, on Sunday, 17th July; what action he is 189W taking; and whether he will now pay compensation to Mr. and Mrs. Clarke, 24, Cromwell Lane, for a broken window, ruined curtains, personal shock, cuts and injuries, long-distance telephone calls and lost time at work as a result of the shock.
Mr. WardThe aircraft concerned were two Vampires of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force, engaged on an authorised low-flying exercise. Pilots carrying out such exercises are instructed to maintain a minimum height of two thousand feet over built-up areas and I much regret that this was not observed. Since the Provost Marshal's report is now with the responsible Air Officer Commanding, the House will not expect me to comment further upon the facts at this stage. No claim for compensation has been received from Mr. and Mrs. Clarke.