§ Mr. O'HaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment his Department has made of the risks of damage to the environment through British military exercises in the Akamas peninsula in Cyprus; and what measures(a) are being taken and (b) are planned to minimise such damage. [6255]
§ Mr. SpellarEvery effort is made to minimise the environmental impact of military training on the Akamas peninsula. Particular care is taken to avoid starting fires, the most important potential cause of damage from training. Exercises involving live ammunition are undertaken in the wetter and cooler months to minimise the risk. Use of the area is kept to the minimum required to meet essential training requirements and we have offered to discontinue training on the Akamas altogether if the Government of the Republic of Cyprus can provide a suitable alternative site.