§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will take steps to investigate fully the incident which occurred at Bankhead Farm New Aberdour, on 7 December when a low-flying aircraft dropped what appeared to be a smoke bomb weighing approximately 28 Ibs. and carrying a minor explosive charge into a field having narrowly missed the farmhouse; and if he will take into account the many complaints of low-flying aircraft in East Aberdeenshire causing distress to the inhabitants and cattle.
§ Mr. PattieMy Department has ordered an investigation into this incident, and I shall write to my hon. Friend 637W when I have the report. Meanwhile the Ministry of Defence has written to Mr. Mackie at Bankhead Farm expressing its apologies for the distress caused to him and assuring him that if any change in procedures or safety regulations is found necessary appropriate action will be taken.
The Royal Air Force very much regrets the disturbance caused by low-flying aircraft in East Aberdeenshire as elsewhere. Strict control is exercised over low flying to reduce this to the minimum possible consistent with the need for operational training.