§ Mr. Elystan Morganasked the Secretary of State for Defence what exercises for military jet aircraft involving either flying at low heights or at supersonic speeds have taken place over the county of Cardigan since 1st June, 1965.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesLow level training flights by Service aircraft have taken place regularly, but none of these aircraft has flown at supersonic speeds. I understand that there have been some flights at supersonic speeds by aircraft under the control of the Ministry of Aviation engaged in research and development trials.
§ Mr. Elystan Morganasked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what restrictions are at present imposed by the commanding officers concerned or by his Department upon the flight of military aircraft at low heights or at supersonic speeds over the United Kingdom;
75W(2) if he will given an assurance that, in future, flights of military aircraft at low heights or at supersonic speeds will whenever possible take place only over uninhabited areas.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesThe speeds of modern jet aircraft make it impossible to confine low flying to uninhabited areas. However, we try to do essential low flying in the more sparsely populated areas in order to cause the minimum possible disturbance. Low flying practices by Service aircraft must always be authorised in writing and carried out at a height no lower than is absolutely necessary to achieve the object of the exercise. Supersonic flights by Service aircraft are normally carried out over the sea.