HC Deb 01 March 1990 vol 168 cc320-1W
Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence at what distance is the United States Air Force laser targeting system, Pave Tack, hazardous to the sight of an observer viewing with (i) the naked eye and (ii) binoculars.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

These distances are classified. However, the military laser safety committee issues strict safety instructions on the use of all military lasers in the United Kingdom and these are observed at all air weapons ranges when Pave Tack is being used.

Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many incidents of temporary blindness have been reported by range staff and civilians that may have been caused by laser targeting systems for each of the last 10 years.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

No such incidents have been reported.

Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what ranges in the United Kingdom are cleared for use by the Pave Tack laser targeting system.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

The following ranges in the United Kingdom are cleared for use by the Pave Tack laser targeting system:

RAF Holbeach; RAF Wainfleet; RAF Donna Hook; RAF Jurby; RAF Cowden; RAF Tain; RAF Rosehearty and Garvie Island.

Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what information is provided for the range staff and the local civilian population in the area of ranges cleared for use by aircraft operating the Pave Tack laser targeting system regarding the dangers of observing aircraft on practice bombing runs using this equipment.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

Instructions on laser safety are contained within the station standing orders for each air weapons range. Staff are instructed not to use magnifying optical devices, such as binoculars, when lasers are in use, unless the devices are fitted with filters or staff are wearing goggles. Visitors to the ranges are briefed on these requirements. No specific information is provided to the public. However, warning signs instruct people to keep away from danger areas when the range is in use. If any unauthorised person is identified within the danger area, all use of the range will cease.

Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what regulations cover use of the Pave Tack laser targeting system over the United Kingdom.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

A number of joint and single service publications, together with air weapons range orders, cover the use of the Pave Tack laser targeting system at ranges in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which laser targeting systems, other than Pave Tack, are cleared for use on United Kingdom training ranges.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

Three laser targeting systems, other than Pave Tack, are cleared for use on United Kingdom training ranges. These are an airborne laser ranging and marked target seeker (LRMTS); a ground-based laser target marker used in conjunction with LRMTS; and Pave Spike, a system similar to Pave Tack.