§ Mr. Gareth WardellTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if any Royal Air Force low-flying training aircraft using Wales for exercises carry any live ammunition or weapons.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonPractice bombs, using only small spotting charges, and practice ammunition are carried frequently in the United Kingdom. Inert bombs may also be used on some ranges. Live weapons with full charges are not generally carried in training, but there is a need for aircrew to have some very limited practice in their use and a range in Sutherland is normally used by the Royal Air Force for this purpose.
§ Mrs. Margaret EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will give details of and list any regular low-flying exercises which concern the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonRegular exercises which incorporate a major military low flying element over the United Kingdom include Exercises Elder Forest (once every two years), Elder Joust (once a year), Central Enterprise (once a year), Mallet Blow (twice a year), OSEX (once a year) and Salty Hammer (once a year). Some of these exercises test and practice the United Kingdom air defences while others primarily provide aircrews with training in tactical low flying techniques. Several airborne exercises are also held each year to provide joint Army/RAF training in the parachuting or airlanding of troops and stores.