HC Deb 22 May 1996 vol 278 cc237-8W
Mr. Foulkes

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many low-level sorties were flown in the Borders tactical training area in each of the last five years. [30320]

Mr. Soames

The numbers of operational low flying movements authorised into the Borders tactical training area—TTA—in each of the last five years are as follows:

  • 1991: 1,256
  • 1992: 2,067
  • 1993: 2,389
  • 1994: 1.127
  • 1995: 1,545

From July 1988 to September 1993, the Borders TTA was divided into east and west sectors. Movements for the two sectors were counted separately so that sorties that crossed the border between the two sectors generated additional movements. The figures for 1991 to 1993 therefore overstate the amount of activity in comparison with later years.

Mr. Foulkes

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many representations he has received on the subject of low flying in the Borders tactical training area in each of the last five years. [30321]

Mr. Soames

Since July 1988, when the Borders tactical training area—TTA—was extended to include what was at the time referred to as the western sector, complaints from that sector have continued to be counted in the totals for low flying area 16 within which the TTA lies, rather than being recorded as coming from the TTA. Accurate records of the number of complaints received from the Borders TTA as a whole are therefore not available and could not be provided without incurring disproportionate cost. Action is being taken to ensure that complaints from the TTA are identified as such in future.