§ Mr. WallaceTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what consultation have taken place since 1983 between officials of his Department or service personnel and representatives of the Nature Conservancy Council to discuss bird strike risk in low-level flying exercises; and the possible effects of such exercises on seabird colonies; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NeubertI am not aware of any formal discussions between my Department and the Nature Conservancy Council on bird strike risk in low flying exercises, but areas of major bird concentrations, including the locations of major seabird colonies in Scotland, are notified to aircrew who will take account of the potential hazards in the planning and execution of their low-flying sorties. My Department also has regular discussions with the Nature Conservancy Council, at which matters of mutual concern, including the effect of low-flying aircraft on seabird colonies, are discussed.