HC Deb 13 December 1988 vol 143 c499W
Mr. Hood

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much compensation has been paid by his Department to farmers for damage to livestock from the effects of low-flying aircraft each year since 1979.

Mr. Freeman

The information requested is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. However, compensation for all animal losses as a result of military low flying activities totalled about £95,000 in 1987, and payments to date this year have amounted to approximately £220,000.

Mr. Hood

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will give details of the cost to his Department of low-flying training; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Freeman

Low flying is an integral and essential part of military flying training. In common with other aspects of training, costs are not identified separately and their production would require disproportionate effort.