§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the dates in the past year on which fast jet low flying was authorised after 2300 hours; and what was the reason for the special authorisation in each case. [1286]
§ Mr. SoamesFast jet low flying was authorised after 2300 hours on the nights of 8–9 and 9–10 June 1995 and 25–26 July 1995 to meet essential training requirements.
§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to use the automated low flying enquiry and notification system to monitor the concentrations of night low flying in particular areas over time, as an aid to managing the environmental impact of such flights. [1292]
§ Mr. SoamesThe intention is to make the fullest practicable use of ALFENS, which will include such monitoring.
§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if military aircraft are permitted to carry out night low-flying sorties over the United Kingdom, other than in the highlands restricted area, in areas where the forecast weather is less than the minimum requirements for visual flight. [1304]
§ Mr. SoamesOutside the highlands restricted area, night low-flying sorties may be conducted only in areas where the weather conditions meet the minimum requirements for visual flight.
§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on progress in introducing the ALFENS system; when he expects the system to reach its full operational capability; and how many United Kingdom air bases will have the system installed. [1293]
§ Mr. SoamesTests of the system commenced in July 1995 as scheduled. These revealed a number of problems which are being resolved, in order to provide full operational capability as expected by mid-1996. ALFENS will be installed at 73 United Kingdom military bases.