§ Sir John FarrTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many complaints have been received by the Royal Air Force of low flying military aircraft over towns which are listed to be avoided over the past two years;
(2) how many complaints received by the Royal Air Force within the last two years relating to low-flying aircraft over towns listed to be avoided have resulted in action other than simple reprimands being taken against pilots.
§ Mr. Kenneth CarlisleI regret that such complaints are not recorded separately and it would not be possible to provide the information requested without disproportionate cost and effort.
§ Sir John FarrTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will introduce tough penalties on pilots who fly military aircraft low over towns listed to be avoided, by way of a substantial fine, equivalent to their annual salary.
§ Mr. Kenneth CarlisleI am satisfied that an adequate range of penalties, including fines, is available to deal with cases where pilots are found to have breached low flying regulations.
§ Sir John FarrTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list in theOfficial Report the names of those towns which are to be avoided by low-flying military aircraft.
§ Mr. Kenneth CarlisleIt remains our policy not to release this information.