HC Deb 06 February 1989 vol 146 cc512-3W
Dr. Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State of Defence how many contracts for research or development have been awarded to United Kingdom universities and other institutions of higher education under the strategic defence initiative programme; and what is their total worth.

Mr. Sainsbury

Thirty-three contracts with a total value of United States $8 million.

Dr. Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State of Defence how many United Kingdom universities and other institutions of higher education have so far received contracts for research or development under the United States of America strategic defence initiative programme.

Mr. Sainsbury

Twenty-one.

Mr. Kennedy

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will detail the matters under consideration in the course of his current review of military low flying, the time-scale involved and the consideration given to possible public consultation; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Neubert

There is no review of military low flying taking place. However, as part of a continuous monitoring of the United Kingdom low flying system, a programme of reviews of avoidance areas is carried out and changes made when necessary, reflecting changes on the ground,

and aimed at spreading low flying more evenly and enchancing flight safety, while at the same time reducing, where possible, the disturbance to those on the ground.

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