§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many low-flying incidents were reported in(a) Wales, (b) England, (c) Scotland, (d) Northern Ireland and (e) the United Kingdom in each of the last three years. [28482]
§ Mr. SoamesThe number of inquiries and complaints received by my Department about military low flying in each of the last three years are as follows:
379W
Year England Wales Scotland 1United Year Kingdom 1992 4,401 904 990 6,295 1993 4,141 556 1,041 5,738 1994 4,072 617 1,089 5,778 1 The figure for the United Kingdom excludes Northern Ireland where most low flying is of an operational nature, with only a limited number of training sorties. Complaints arising from this activity are dealt with locally, and no central record is available of the number received.
§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what measures his Department has taken to monitor and deal with incidents of low flying by military aircraft; and if he will make a statement. [28483]
§ Mr. SoamesAll complaints and inquiries about military low flying are recorded and examined and, when appropriate, a written response is given.
Where there is sufficient evidence to suggest that a breach of military flying regulations may have occurred, the details are passed to the RAF police for investigation. On completion, the RAF police report is, where appropriate, passed to the commanding officer of the aircrew concerned for consideration as to what further action may be necessary and what can be learnt from the incident. In each case, the complainant is provided with the conclusions and a summary of the findings of the report.
My Department will pay compensation where a reasonable connection can be established between military aircraft activity and any loss, injury or damage sustained.