§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the dates, locations and circumstances of 591W each of the incidents since 1992 which have led to his Department paying compensation for personal injury involving low-flying aircraft; what is the statutory basis for such payments; and what is his policy on the payment of compensation for personal injury in respect of low-flying incidents. [5184]
§ Mr. SoamesIt would not be appropriate to publish details of individuals' claims, but from the beginning of financial year 1991–92 to the end of 1994–95, a total of £268,000 compensation has been paid in respect of 72 personal injury claims arising from military low-flying activity in the United Kingdom.
The basis on which the Ministry of Defence pays compensation in respect of loss or damage sustained as a result of military low flying was set out in Lord Drumalbyn's statement on 22 November 1971, Official Report, column 838, in another place.
Compensation paid as a result of loss or damage arising from military low-flying activity is calculated on the basis of normal common law principles.