HC Deb 02 April 1996 vol 275 cc136-7
3. Mr. Spring

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what role the RAF is playing in peacekeeping operations around the world. [22307]

Mr. Soames

I should like to pay tribute to the exceptional role that the Royal Air Force has played and is playing in peacekeeping operations around the world. Important examples include the vital support provided to the implementation force in Bosnia and to the enforcement of no-fly zones over northern and southern Iraq in support of United Nations Security Council resolution 688.

Mr. Spring

Will my hon. Friend join me in paying tribute to the RAF for its role in transportation and supply in peacekeeping operations in Bosnia, Angola and Rwanda? Will he also join me in paying tribute to the vast range of unsung activities undertaken by the RAF, which certainly illustrate that it is the finest air force in the world?

Mr. Soames

I am very grateful to my hon. Friend and pleased once again to have the opportunity to pay tribute to the RAF's work, which, as he says, so often goes unnoticed. As a matter of fact, between 3 July 1992, for example, and 9 January this year, the RAF flew 1,977 sorties, delivering 27,000 tonnes of aid to the beleaguered city of Sarajevo—the longest lasting humanitarian airlift in history.

At the same time, Harriers are flying close support missions in the NATO-led implementation force in Bosnia, and Chinooks are providing lift based at Split. In Iraq, Tornados are doing an important job in the no-fly zone. The whole House will wish to pay tribute to the extremely important efforts of what is—as my hon. Friend rightly said—the finest air force in the world.

Mr. Foulkes

Is the Minister aware that Opposition Members are also appreciative of the peacekeeping work undertaken by the RAF? Does he recall that in December last year his noble Friend Earl Howe, the Under-Secretary of State, promised some of my hon. Friends and me that he would review the burden of low flying in the south-west of Scotland and the rest of the borders tactical training area? Did not that burden increase in the past year, whereas low flying decreased in other parts of the United Kingdom? Will he carry forward the examination of the study and tell us when some of the pressure of low flying in south-west Scotland will be relieved?

Mr. Soames

The hon. Gentleman never fails to take the opportunity—even on the most inappropriate occasion—to raise the subject of low flying. Low flying has a limited operational capability in peacekeeping, but I hear what he says and will report it to my noble Friend.