Mr. Alan W. WilliamsTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many representations his Department has received against low-flying aircraft during each year since 1990. [12164]
§ Mr. SoamesI refer the hon. Member to the answer givne to the hon. Member for Meirionnydd Nant Conwy (Mr. Llwyd) on 3 February 1995,Official Report, column 885, for the years 1990 to 1994. The numbers of inquiries and complaints about military low flying received in 1995 and 1996 are as follows:
- 1995: 6,790
- 1996: 6,465
Mr. WilliamsTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will define the geographical area included in the central Wales tactical training area; what changes have been made to this definition since 1993; and if he will list the number of sorties carried out below 250 ft in this area in each year since 1992. [12166]
§ Mr. SoamesThe central Wales tactical training area comprises the south-west proportion of Montgomery, the north-west corner of Brecon and Radnor, the north-east corner of Carmarthen and north Pembroke. The area, which is designated as low-flying area 7T, is shown on the map of the day low-flying system which is available in the Library of the House. There have been no changes to its boundaries since 1993. The numbers of operational low-flying movements authorised into the central Wales TTA in each year since 1992 are as follows:
195W
- 1992: 174
- 1993: 192
- 1994: 89
- 1995: 147
- 1996: 140
Mr. WilliamsTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much has been paid to farmers in Wales for(a) loss of livestock, (b) abortions and (c) loss of production caused by low-flying aircraft in each year since 1992. [12165]
§ Mr. SoamesIt is not possible to provide the detailed information required without disproportionate cost. However, the amounts paid to farmers in Wales in compensation for livestock and agricultural production losses due to military low flying since 1992 were:
Year £ 1992 35,811 1993 38,964 1994 65,723 1995 67,138 1996 40,363 I regret to say that while preparing the answer to this question, it was discovered that the answer I gave to the hon. Member on 14 June 1995, Official Report, column 537, was wrongly calculated. The correct figure is £65,723.