§ Mr. MacDonaldTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Western Isles on 14 December 1987,Official Report, column 414, he will make a statement on (a) the cause of the incident involving a low-flying United States air force F-111 over Benbecula on 12 September 1983, (b) the height and speed at which the aircraft was flying, (c) information available to him on what disciplinary measures were taken against the aircrew and (d) what revisions were made to instructions to aircrew concerning mock attacks on RAF Benbecula; and if he will place in the Library a copy of the report of the official investigation into the incident.
§ Mr. FreemanThe incident involving an F-111 aircraft of the United States air force engaged in routine training over RAF Benbecula on 12 September 1983 was investigated fully by the Royal Air Force with the complete co-operation of the United States air force. It is not the practice to make public the findings of such investigations, since their efficient conduct relies heavily upon evidence volunteered in confidence. Appropriate steps have been taken to regulate military flying activity in the vicinity of RAF Benbecula.