HC Deb 30 July 1984 vol 65 cc50-1W
Mr. Hickmet

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many complaints have been received in June and July about the incidence of low-flying military aircraft in England and Wales compared to the same period in the last year.

Mr. Lee

1,242 in 1983, and 1,550 (up to 26 July) in 1984. However, the total number of complaints received so far this year is less than in the equivalent period last year.

Mr. Hickmet

asked the Secretary of State for Defence why there has been an increase in the incidence of low-flying military aircraft over the villages of Burton Stothen and Broughton and other villages in South Humberside; and whether he will take steps to see that such aircraft do not fly over populated areas in South Humberside.

Mr. Lee

There has been no significant change in the incidence of low flying in the South Humberside area; but it is our experience that the public generally find this activity more troublesome during the summer months. Pilots are instructed not to fly at low level directly over cities or the centres of the larger towns. However, it is not possible for them to avoid all the smaller towns and villages while carrying out this vital training.

Mr. Hickmet

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received from the residents of South Humberside about the effects of low-flying military aircraft.

Mr. Lee

My hon. Friend has written on three occasions this year. Letters from members of the public are not recorded by constituency or local district, but my Department has received of the order of 30 letters from the South Humberside area about low flying since 1 October 1983.