HC Deb 30 June 1988 vol 136 c315W
Mr. Campbell-Savours

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which areas have been allocated to low-flying aircraft exercise for the year 1988–89.

Mr. Freeman

While detailed planning for the year 1988–89 is not yet finalised, significant exercise activity is expected to take place throughout most parts of Great Britain.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will publish rota arrangements for the allocation of low-flying aircraft exercises within the United Kingdom.

Mr. Freeman

The location of exercises involving low-flying aircraft is determined primarily by the type of activity involved, and the facilities needed. Where possible, locations, including those of major NATO exercises, are varied, as a range of locations adds to the training value. There are no pre-planned rota arrangements as such.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence to what extent the opinions of the local population are taken into account in the planning of low-flying aircraft exercises.

Mr. Freeman

The location of exercises involving low-flying aircraftt is determined primarily by the type of activity involved and the facilities needed. Wherever possible, locations are varied, which both adds to training value and spreads any disturbance more evenly and equitably. Thus, the interests of the whole population are taken into account as far as possible.