HC Deb 01 August 1984 vol 65 cc281-2W
Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on recent accidents in Tornado aircraft.

Mr. Lee

I refer the hon. Gentleman to my answer to the hon. Member for Kingston upon Hull, North (Mr. McNamara) on 23 July at column542. The loss of an Italian Tornado on that day brings the total of such accidents to 12. All accidents are fully investigated and there is a continual exchange of flight safety information among the three nations which operate the aircraft. No common factor has been identified in the accidents which have occurred and neither the structural nor technical integrity of the aircraft is in any doubt.

Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what restrictions have been imposed on the flying of Tornado aircraft in the vicinity of radio transmitters; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Lee

The restrictions imposed on Tornados are similar to those which apply to other RAF aircraft. As a precautionary measure against the possible effects of an external electro-magnetic field, RAF aircraft seek to avoid flying in the immediate vicinity of powerful radio transmitters (the locations of which are marked on low flying charts) and appropriate instructions to this effect are issued to all aircrew.