§ 17. Mr. SpellerTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the minimum height for NATO warplanes overflying the south-west on exercise; whether he will reduce the number of these flights overflying from outside the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement on his policy on low-level flying over centres of population.
§ Mr. NeubertNATO aircraft authorised to conduct low flying training in the United Kingdom are required to follow United Kingdom low-flying regulations which stipulate a normal minimum separation distance of 250 ft. Low flying by non-RAF aircraft based outside the United Kingdom accounts for under 2 per cent. of total low flying activity in the United Kingdom and will continue to be kept under close review. Military pilots are instructed to avoid overflying the centres of major conurbations and built-up areas at low level. It is not possible to avoid overflying the outskirts of major towns or every small community, but pilots will make every effort to avoid populated areas wherever possible.
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§ 33. Mr. MorleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list exercises involving low-flying aircraft between July and October 1989.
§ Mr. NeubertLow flying exercise activity in 1989 is expected to be similar to that in previous years. I will, as is usual, seek to notify members whose constituencies are likely to be affected, prior to individual exercises taking place and as soon as detailed planning permits.