HC Deb 23 February 1989 vol 147 cc756-7W
Mr. Alan Williams

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to let the right hon. Member for Swansea, West have a full reply about the low-flying incidents which he reported to his Department a month ago; and why the reply has taken so long to prepare.

Mr. Neubert

As I explained in my letter of 1 February to the right hon. Member, investigations by the RAF police into low-flying incidents are always very thorough and may take some months to complete. I shall, however, write to the right hon. Member with a full response as soon as possible.

Mr. Alan Williams

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will extend the very low-flying prohibition zone further from the built-up areas of the city of Swansea; if he will include upper Trillay within that area; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Neubert

As the right hon. Member is aware, pilots are already instructed to avoid overflying the centres of major conurbations and built-up areas such as Swansea at low level, although we cannot guarantee to avoid overflying the outskirts of major towns and smaller communities. Pilots will however make every effort to avoid populated areas wherever possible.