§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence where the eight Royal Air Force Tornados flying at 500 ft above Barnoldswick and Earby at 6.15 pm on Monday 30 January came from.
§ Mr. SoamesTwo formations of four Tornados from RAF Bruggen were authorised to fly in the general area in which the towns are located on 30 January at around the time in question. An investigation is under way to establish whether these aircraft flew over the towns at the height alleged. My noble Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Defence will write to the hon. Member when the investigation is complete.
§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he takes to inform hon. Members of exercises by low-flying military aircraft.
§ Mr. SoamesWhen it is practical to do so, advance warning of major exercises is given to hon. Members whose constituents are likely to be affected. It would be impractical to provide prior notice of all low-level sorties since they are often determined at short notice to take account of variable factors such as weather conditions.
§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the minimum height for low flying by military aircraft in the United Kingdom and Germany.
§ Mr. SoamesThe normal minimum height for low flying by military fixed wing aircraft in the United Kingdom is 250 ft minimum separation distance, but a small amount of operational low flying down to 100 ft MSD is permitted in three specially designated tactical training areas located in the borders, northern Scotland and central Wales. Germany applies a general limit of 100 ft but allows some military flying below this height.
§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his policy on low-flying military aircraft over urban areas.
§ Mr. SoamesMilitary aircrew are instructed to avoid flying low over major towns and conurbations, and to avoid all other populated areas wherever possible, whether they are listed for avoidance or not.