§ 7. Sir G. Nabarroasked the Minister of State for Defence whether he is aware that the Royal Radar Establishment at Malvern, Worcestershire, have now reactivated low-level flying tests, which prove detrimental in this area of amenity value and natural beauty; and whether he will direct such tests to cease forthwith, having regard to the rejection by ministerial staff of previous local complaints concerning the noise and loss of home comfort.
§ The Under Secretary of State for Defence for the Royal Air Force (Lord Lambton)There has been no significant change during recent years in the flying activities of the Royal Radar Establishment, Malvern, which are in any case only occasionally carried out at low level. There is, however, a considerable amount of RAF low-level training activity in the general area. This, as my hon. Friend will know, is essential to defence needs and must continue, though every effort is made to minimise the disturbance caused.
§ Sir G. NabarroDoes not my hon. Friend realise that this is an area of special amenity and scenic value, is widely recognised as such and is closely protected by the Department of the Environment? Does he not appreciate that these constant depredations of the environment by his Department, both on the part of the Royal Air Force aerobatics team from Little Rissington and from the Royal Radar Establishment, are having very damaging effects on local residents? Can he improve the situation by inquiring further into the matter?
§ Lord LambtonOne is prepared to inquire further into the matter, but the truth is that areas of scenic beauty and natural wildness are the most suitable for low-level flying.
§ Mr. Hugh JenkinsWould it not be possible to redirect these aircraft over Broadway?