§ Mr. MacdonaldTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the purpose of the trials activity to be conducted by the Royal Air Force central tactics and trials organisation to the west of the Isle of Lewis between 30 April and 4 May; how many and what types of aircraft are involved; what airfield the aircraft will be operating from; and what precautions will be taken to avoid dropping missile or other debris on vessels operating in the extended danger area.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonThe purpose of this trial is to assess the capability of United Kingdom air defence assets in the detection of incoming cruise missiles, which will be simulated by television-guided Martel missiles. Buccaneer, Tornado F3, Nimrod, NATO E3A and Shackleton aircraft will take part in the trial, operating from RAF Lossiemouth, Coningsby, Leeming and Kinloss, and from the German air force base at Geilenkirchen. A maximum of 12 aircraft will participate in the trial area at any one time and approximately 60 sorties will be flown over the trial period.
A notice to mariners has been issued advising of the extension to the range danger area, and all proper precautions will be taken to ensure that no vessel is within range of any missile when firing takes place.