HC Deb 16 May 1988 vol 133 cc351-2W
Mr. Macdonald

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many simulated air attacks on Stornoway airport were carried out in 1987.

Mr. Freeman

Simulated air attacks on Stornoway airport have taken place from time to time between the six weeks of the year when Stornoway is activated for military exercises. There is no requirement for these to be recorded systematically and there is thus no precise figure available for 1987. Since the airfield was last activated in September 1987, it is estimated that there have been less than 10 simulated attacks.

Mr. Macdonald

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what dates the planned noise survey will be carried out at Stornoway airport.

Mr. Freeman

Arrangements have been made for the noise survey to take place from 11 to 15 July inclusive to coincide with the first military exercise at RAF Stornoway this year. I shall write to the hon. Member when the results of the survey are available.

Mr. Macdonald

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the next deployment of aircraft from the fleet requirements and air direction unit to Stornoway airport is planned.

Mr. Freeman

It is not the Department's policy to reveal advance information of this type about its operational activities.

Mr. Macdonald

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many practice approaches were carried out by military aircraft at Stornoway airport in 1987.

Mr. Freeman

Records of practice approaches by military aircraft at Stornoway airport were not kept prior to September 1987 and are not maintained during those periods when the airfield is activated for military exercises. Records kept by Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd. since the last military activation period between 7 and 18 September indicate that practice approaches by military aircraft average some 10 per month.

Mr. Macdonald

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what facilities are currently provided at Stornoway airport for United States Navy maritime patrol aircraft.

Mr. Freeman

There are no facilities currently provided at RAF Stornoway specifically for United States Navy maritime patrol aircraft, though such aircraft could use the airfield in the normal way, subject to their obtaining appropriate clearance.