§ Mr. Menzies CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence to what extent recent calls for a curb on low flying in western Germany will not lead to an increase in the number of low-level flights over the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonThe United Kingdom, along with other NATO Allies, has undertaken, as a mark of respect to those dead and bereaved in the tragic accident on 8 December, to suspend flying training activities in the FRG until 2 January 1989. Any training activity considered essential will therefore be carried out elsewhere, primarily in the United Kingdom. However, normal United Kingdom activity will be additionally constrained to ensure that during this period, until 2 January, there is no overall increase in activity in the United Kingdom as a result.
§ Mr. Menzies CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what consideration has been given to the possibility of relocating low-level flight exercises to more sparsely populated areas, including the northern regions of Canada.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonWe are very much aware of the need to ensure that as little disturbance as possible is caused by low-flying military aircraft. Nonetheless, low-flying training is essential to prepare strike attack and offensive support aircraft for their wartime roles, in which credibility is vital for deterrence. Valuable training opportunities, such as participation in major exercises in the United States and Canada, and use of the joint facility at Goose bay in Canada, are greatly welcomed, but are no substitute for training in the United Kingdom and Europe, where aircraft are based and would operate in wartime.