§ 61. Mr. Allasonasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he is aware that the dropping of flare bombs on the night of 18th–19th May over the constituency of Hemel Hempstead without prior warning caused alarm and annoyance; and whether he will investigate the occurrence and take steps to ensure the avoidance of further raids.
§ Mr. MillanThe exercise in question was part of the annual N.A.T.O. photographic reconnaissance competition known as "Royal Flush". A large number of potential targets on the Continent and in the United Kingdom were selected for use. We followed our standard practice of informing the local police in advance and a general Press notice was issued on 29th April.
At a late stage a small number of targets in the United Kingdom was added and through an error not all local police forces were informed: one of these targets 19W was at Cheddington. There was, therefore, no prior local warning and two aircraft photographed this target using photoflashes. I apologise for the disturbance thereby caused to people living in the locality.
This form of exercise is an essential part of our operational training; and must continue. I can assure the hon. Member, however, that we are examining our procedures to ensure that we cause the minimum of disturbance and to see how we might provide more detailed advance information to people living in target areas.