§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the origin and destination of the low-level flight northward over East Bessacarr and Carltey at 16.13 on 8 July; who authorised it; and what considerations led to its authorisation. [38326]
§ Mr. SoamesTwo Tornado aircraft from the standards squadron, Tri-National Tornado Training Establishment, TTTE, normally based at RAF Cottesmore, but temporarily operating from RAF Marham, were conducting a circular low-level navigation training sortie. The sortie was authorised by the formation leader who is an instructor at the TTTE. As with all military low-level sorties, the authorising officer was responsible for ensuring that the flight complied with the regulations and procedures in the United Kingdom military low flying handbook and that the aircrew were suitably qualified to execute the planned sortie. Since Bessacarr is listed for avoidance by low-flying military aircraft, the RAF police are making further inquiries into the alleged overflight. My noble Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Defence will write to the hon. Member when these have been completed.