§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his policy on authorising low flying at less than 250 ft during military exercises in the United Kingdom; what changes have occurred in this policy since 1990; and if he will list each exercise which has involved flying at less than 250 ft since 1990.
§ Mr. HanleyRAF aircraft are permitted to fly below 250 ft during military exercises in the United Kingdom provided that prior authorisation has been obtained from the air officer commanding of the group concerned. There have been no changes to this policy since 1990. Records of requests for operational low flying are not maintained on a basis which differentiates between exercise and non-exercise activity.