§ Mr. Townsendasked the Secretary of State for Defence how many complaints were received from the Irish Government concerning overflying of their territory by British military planes and helicopters for each of the years 1970 to 1975 inclusive.
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§ Mr. WellbelovedIn the 12 months ended 30th April 1976 we accepted complaints by the Government of the Republic of Ireland in respect of 22 accidental incursions by military aircraft, including helicopters. Corresponding figures for the years ended 30th April 1975 and 30th April 1974 are 19 and 28, respectively. Figures for earlier years are not readily available.
Date Aircraft Fatalities Cause 10th May 1973 … … Victor … … 6 Aircrew error 1st June 1973 … … Phantom … … 1 Technical defect 25th June 1973 … … Phantom … … 2 Not known 5th July 1973 … … Bassett … … 1 Inspection and Servicing error 2nd August 1973 … … Canberra … … 1 Not known 22nd August 1973 … … Phantom … … 2 Not known 6th September 1973 … … Gnat … … 1 Technical defect 10th September 1973 … … Hercules … … 5 Technical defect 2nd November 1973 … … Hunter … … 2 Not known 23rd January 1974 … … Harrier … … 1 Technical defect 26th March 1974 … … Harrier … … 1 Aircrew error 9th August 1974 … … Phantom … … 3 Aircrew error 24th March 1975 … … Victor … … 4 Aircrew error 7th April 1975 … … Lightning … … 1 Not known 29th July 1975 … … Chipmunk … … 2 Not yet finally determined 6th September 1975 … … Harrier … … 1 Not yet finally determined 14th October 1975 … … Vulcan … … 6 Not yet finally determined 17th December 1975 … … Phantom … … 2 Not yet finally determined 19th January 1976 … … Harrier … … 2 Not yet finally determined 12th March 1976 … … Harrier … … 1 Not yet finally determined 30th April 1976 … … Gnats (2) … … 4 Not yet finally determined Note: 1. Fatalities include Service men and civilians, whether British or foreign nationals.