§ Mr. ÖpikTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what percentage of low-flying sorties over Powys were crewed by flight staff from other countries in 1997; and if he will make a statement; [35918]
(2) what percentage of low-flying sorties over Powys were the result of overseas trade deals in 1997; and if he will make a statement. [35919]
§ Mr. SpellarThe information is not available in the form requested and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. It remains our policy to distribute military low-flying activity as widely and equitably as practicable. In 1997, sorties flown by non-UK based foreign aircraft and UK-based USAF aircraft made up 5 per cent. of the overall number of low-flying sorties flown in the UK.