§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the impact of proposed wind farm developments in Moray on RAF training flight paths; and if he will make a statement. [1978]
§ Dr. MoonieAs there is potential for wind farms to interfere with radar, low flying and other communications, each wind energy proposal received by the Ministry of Defence is evaluated on a case-by-case basis by several specialists; this includes the assessment of the impact upon RAF training paths.
The Ministry of Defence supports fully the Government's renewable energy policy. However, we must ensure that the defences of the United Kingdom are not jeopardised and that our aircrews are able to conduct training safely. Of the eight proposals we have had, we had no objections to seven and one is currently being assessed. Owing to the commercial sensitivity of the information I am withholding details of the sites under exemption 7 of the code of practice on access to government information.