§ Mr. Home RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will make a statement on the speed, height and purpose of the low-level flights over Giffard, East Lothian, at(a) 2.30 pm on 6 February, (b) 3.35 pm on 8 February, (c) 11.50 am on 9 February, (d) 10.55 am and 12 noon on 10 February and (e) and 2.45 pm on 16 February;
(2) if he will make a statement on the speed, height and purpose of the low-level flight over grid reference 66.8 x 45.9 near Pencaitland, East Lothian, at 8.20 pm on 15 February; and if he will also explain his policy for such flights during hours of darkness.
§ Mr. NeubertMilitary aircraft are authorised as a matter of routine to carry out low-level flying training in the areas mentioned at heights no lower than 250 ft and at speeds normally not exceeding 450 knots. Pilots must be capable of operating in darkness and therefore some strictly limited night flying is necessary.
Policy is that low-level flying training should be completed before 11 pm wherever possible because my Department recognises that aircraft noise can be particularly intrusive at night.