§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the reason for the low-level pass over Bessacarr, Doncaster, by an RAF jet at 19.28 on 23 March. [17833]
§ Mr. SoamesTwo formations of two United States Air Force F-15 aircraft were authorised to fly in the general area around this time, and an investigation is underway to establish whether these aircraft flew at low level over Bessacarr. My noble Friend the Under-Secretary of State will write to the hon. Member when this is complete.
§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the total cost of the training exercise which brought eight Tornado aircraft from RAF Bruggen to Barnoldswick on 30 January. [17853]
§ Mr. SoamesThe cost of the training sortie was £117,000. As the hon. Member is aware from my answer of 10 February,Official Report, column 463, an investigation is under way to establish whether the aircraft flew over Barnoldswick.