§ Sir A. Meyerasked the Secretary of State for Defence from what date RAF aircraft based on East Coast airfields began regular low-altitude high-speed flying practice over North Wales; what is the additional fuel consumption required, as against that which would be required for practice nearer the aircrafts' home base; and whether he will issue orders that this practice should cease.
§ Mr. JohnSuch flying practice has been carried out since 1965. Since the out and in-bound journeys themselves contribute useful training no additional fuel consumption is required. Since this training is essential to the operational efficiency of the units concerned I do not propose to issue orders that it should cease. A majority of the RAF's operational airfields are situated in the eastern counties. To concentrate all low-flying