asked the Secretary of State for Air under what authority members of His Majesty's Forces evacuated the public from the beaches at West Wittering on the afternoon of 31st July; whether he is aware of the consternation and inconvenience caused to the public in that area on the same morning by the exercises of a large number of Meteor aircraft flying at a height of only some hundreds of feet; and what steps he is taking to prevent a recurrence of these incidents.

On the afternoon of 30th July, an officer asked the public to leave the beach at West Wittering. In so doing, he acted without authority, and I have ascertained that he was in fact unaware of the orders now in force. I greatly regret his mistake, and I have taken steps to ensure that it shall not happen again. On 31st July, Meteor aircraft took part in a special exercise with the Royal Navy, in which low flying was required.

Can the Secretary of State give any assurance to the people in this locality, who, very largely, are industrial workers and have gone there for a holiday, that they will be able to get some rest and recreation free from the eternal disturbance of the air from low flying aircraft which drop bombs and other impedimenta all over the countryside?

I know there was one incident when two smoke bombs were dropped. I am in correspondence with the hon. Member about it and hope soon to give him a final reply. For the rest, the low flying is avoided, if possible, and I think the nuisance on these beaches is now reduced to the absolute minimum consistent with the necessary training.

Does my right hon. Friend agree that disturbances of this nature are absolutely necessary in view of the excessive concentration of troops of all arms which we have in this country at present?