HC Deb 05 March 1996 vol 273 cc113-4W
18. Mr. Alan W. Williams

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what research he has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on possible damage to children's hearing caused by low-flying aircraft. [16857]

Mr. Soames

My Department has not conducted specific research into the subject. We do, however, closely monitor and evaluate scientific research on noise and hearing, including that relating to possible hearing loss in children due to aircraft noise. We believe that the restrictions we place on heights, speeds and operating procedures of military aircraft should ensure that the level of noise experienced on the ground is not harmful, particularly given the brief exposure involved.

Sir Dudley Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his policy over low training flights taking place over cities and towns. [18859]

Mr. Soames

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Pendle (Mr. Prentice) on 10 February 1995,Official Report, column 463.

Sir Dudley Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reasons two RAF fighter aircraft were allowed to fly fast and low over central London at 10.57 am on 28 February and four more at 12.30 pm on the same day; and if he will make a statement. [18858]

Mr. Soames

The RAF Tornado GR1 aircraft were authorised to perform low-level flypasts of St. Paul's cathedral as part of the ceremony and service to mark the unveiling by HM the Queen of a memorial commemorating British service men who died in the Gulf war.