Low Flying (Hansard, 18 January 1996)

§ Mr. Alex Carlile
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent representations have been made to him concerning correlations between military low altitude flying and permanent hearing damage to children between birth and one; and if he will make a statement. [9883]

§ Mr. Soames
I have received no such representations.

§ Mr. Carlile
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to introduce a new minimum height limit on flight training and a maximum speed over residential areas; and if he will make a statement. [9884]

§ Mr. Soames
There are no plans at present to alter height and speed restrictions for low-flying military aircraft. However, the regulations governing the use of the United Kingdom low flying system are kept under continuous review.

§ Mr. Carlile
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the impacts of military low altitude flights on the health and safety of residents of the areas overflown. [10233]
732W

§ Mr. Soames
We closely monitor scientific research on noise and health. With the exception of hearing, the evidence has not established a causative link between environmental noise—including that from military low flying—and health. In the case of hearing, we believe that the restrictions that we place on the heights, speeds and operating procedures of military aircraft should ensure that the level of noise experienced on the ground is not harmful, given the brief exposure involved.
We have also commissioned our own study into the feasibility of carrying out meaningful epidemiological research. This work is being conducted in co-operation with the US and Canadian Governments and a report is expected later this year. In the meantime, we believe that our current low flying operating procedures reflect the best available medical and scientific advice.
Safety is of utmost importance at all stages of our flying training programme and there are strict regulations and operating procedures in place to safeguard the general public and our aircrews. These are kept under continuous review.