HC Deb 26 October 1994 vol 248 c713W
Mr. Kirkwood

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he proposes to take to make low flying avoidance areas public.

Mr. Soames

There are no plans to alter my Department's policy of not releasing specific details of flying restrictions in individual areas.

Mr. Kirkwood

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress is being made to introduce flight simulators as a substitute for low flying sorties.

Mr. Soames

The use of flight simulators is an integral part of our training programme. However, the performance characteristics of current simulator technology do not provide an acceptable substitute for low flying training. We do, however, continue to monitor closely developments in this area of technology.

Mr. Kirkwood

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make all non-United Kingdom air crews included in low flying over the United Kingdom subject to the jurisdiction of the RAF police.

Mr. Soames

All foreign military aircrews operating within the United Kingdom low flying system are subject to the same flying regulations as apply to United Kingdom aircrews. The RAF police are responsible for investigating alleged breaches of the regulations, whether United Kingdom or foreign aircrews were involved. In the event that a breach of regulations is confirmed, jurisdiction, in terms of disciplinary action, rests initially with the commanding officer of the aircrew concerned or, in the case of foreign aircrew, with their relevant national authorities, not with the RAF police.

Mr. Kirkwood

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which NATO countries allow low flying training below 250 ft; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Soames

My noble Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Defence will write to the hon. Member as this information is not readily available.

Mr. Kirkwood

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will introduce an independent system of investigation of public complaints about alleged breaches of low flying regulations by low-flying aircraft over the United Kingdom.

Mr. Soames

No. We are satisfied that the existing system is impartial, effective and best placed to investigate public complaints about alleged breaches of low flying regulations, and therefore see no reason to introduce such a system.