HC Deb 24 February 1997 vol 291 c112W
Mr. Foulkes

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many inflatable targets were deployed to Goose bay, Canada, during the 1996 training season; to how many locations the targets were deployed; what was the total cost of(a) deploying (b) operating and (c) supporting the targets; what contribution to repayment of those costs will be made by (i) the Canadian authorities and (ii) other allied air forces training at Goose bay; and what conclusions have been reached concerning the future deployment of inflatable targets at Goose bay. [16808]

Mr. Soames

Six inflatable targets were deployed to Goose bay, Canada, during the 1996 training season. It is not possible to provide the cost information requested as the deployment was not undertaken as a stand alone activity and costs were, therefore, not recorded separately. As this was a national deployment, no financial contribution was sought from the Canadian authorities or other allied air forces at Goose bay. Consideration is currently being given to locating inflatable targets at Goose bay on a permanent basis to meet UK training requirements.

Mr. Foulkes

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the(a) statutory and (b) service regulatory provisions for (i) consultations with, and (ii) notification of, owners of adjoining land when inflatable targets for simulated air-to-ground attack are deployed on private land. [16809]

Mr. Soames

The Department maintains standing instructions on the deployment of forces and equipment, including inflatable targets, on private land. These instructions are complied with at all times, and deployments are only undertaken with the prior authorisation of the land owner. Adjoining land owners are not formally notified but the local police are consulted.

Mr. Foulkes

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the locations, dates of deployment and nature of the training for each deployment on private land of inflatable targets in the last five years; and if his Department holds training licence agreements with each of the locations. [16810]

Mr. Soames

Details of such deployments are not recorded centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. However, deployments on private land are undertaken only with the agreement of the appropriate land owner.