§ Mr. Eldon Griffithsasked the Secretary of State for Defence why, during recent Army exercises at Stradishall in Suffolk, troops trespassed on the property of Her Majesty's prison at Highpoint, halted civilians in their cars on land outside the area where Army manoeuvres are permitted, failed to notify district and parish councillors about night-time helicopter movements which caused distress, and omitted to pick up from the exercise area unexpended rounds of ammunition.
§ Mr. HayhoeMost regrettably, some errors were made during recent exercises at Stradishall, and appropriate steps have been taken to avoid any repetition.
§ Mr. Eldon Griffithsasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will ensure that before any further large exercises are held at Stradishall, Suffolk, notice is sent to the district and parish councils concerned so that local people can be alerted in advance of possible noise and inconvenience; and if in future he will instruct those responsible to confine their troops' activities to the areas prescribed and to clear the site afterwards of all unexpended munitions.
§ Mr. HayhoeYes. Advance notification will be given and clear instructions have been issued that before any further large exercises are held at Stradishall, Suffolk, notice is sent to the district and parish councils concerned so that local people can be alerted in advance of any possible noise and inconvenience.