HC Deb 10 November 1987 vol 122 cc161-2W
20. Mr. Cryer

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will give the number of Royal Air Force planes which have crashed in routine exercises since 1979 and their total value.

Mr. Freeman

Since 1 January 1979, 163 Royal Air Force fixed-wing aircraft have suffered irreparable damage in accidents in the course of routine operations. The purchase cost of all these aircraft was £420 million. To replace those aircraft which are still in production with similar models (that is to say Tornado, Harrier and Hawk) would cost approximately £500 million at current prices.

41. Mr. Geraint Howells

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what percentage of military aircraft accidents have occurred in Wales.

Mr. Freeman

Since 1 January 1979, 9 per cent. of the military aircraft losses in accidents in the United Kingdom and surrounding waters have occurred in Wales.

51. Mr. Pike

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will indicate the number of aircraft and airmen lost in low-flying training exercises in each of the last three years for which figures are available; and if will make a statement.

Mr. Freeman

The table sets out the numbers of personnel killed, and aircraft lost, from 1 January 1985 to date during Royal Air Force fast jet operations involving low flying in the United Kingdom and surrounding waters:

Aircraft Fatalities
1985 3 3
1986 2 11
21987 9 38
1USAF Pilot.
2To 5 November.
3Includes one USN pilot.