Sir C. Osbomeasked the Secretary of State for Defence when he proposes to reply to the letter from the Skidbrooke-cum-Saltfleet Parish Council of 15th April regarding the bangs that result from the low-flying Phantom aircraft; why a reply has not been sent sooner; and what action he is taking to mitigate the fears caused by these operations.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesA reply to the letter from the Skidbrooke-cum-Saltfleet Parish Council was sent by the Department on 12th June, 1968.
At the time of the receipt of the letter from the Parish Council, new procedures were being discussed for use of the Theddlethorpe range and consequently it was decided to delay a full reply. It is normal practice to send an interim reply, 148W but in this case this was not done. I apologise for this oversight.
Theddlethorpe range is off-shore. It is used by the R.A.F. for gunnery and bombing and to a lesser degree by the R.A.F. and U.S.A.F. for night photographic reconnaissance exercises. The bangs in question result from these latter exercises. They are made by photo-flash cartridges which make a sharp crack on ignition just after they leave the aircraft.
As with all Ministry of Defence ranges, Theddlethorpe is operated in accordance with strict safety regulations designed to protect both the users and the members of the public. It has been in use since 1935 and has a good safety record.
The reply which was sent to the Parish Council explains the general safety measures in operation at Theddlethorpe and describes certain new procedures for the use of the range at night by Phantom aircraft engaged on photographic reconnaissance exercises, which were introduced earlier this month to provide yet greater margins of safety and to reduce disturbance. The improved procedures now in force include radar reflectors on the target to ensure navigational accuracy and new approach and departure routes which are over the sea at all times.
These should avoid future incidents such as occurred in September, 1967, and at the end of May, 1968, when small fragments of light alloy from photo-flash cartridge cases were found outside the range danger area.