§ Mr. BaldryTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the impact of aircraft activity in the Falklands on the breeding patterns of penguins. [139413]
§ Dr. MoonieThe Minister of Defence has not made any assessment and Falklands Conservation has not carried out specific research on the effects of aircraft overflying penguin colonies in the Falkland Islands. We are not aware that there has been any other related research with any scientific basis. Mount Pleasant Airfield Flying Orders specifically ban aircrews from overflying areas of the Falkland Islands which are known to be sensitive breeding sites of penguins. Those Orders are supported by a detailed map of the sites.