§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what sums have been paid to farmers in Northern Ireland as compensation for livestock damaged by442W low-flying helicopters in each of the last 10 years; and what guidance is issued to helicopter pilots to minimise such damage. [56294]
§ Mr. SpellarPrior to March 1994 the records relating to compensation paid out for damage to livestock by low-flying helicopters were maintained manually and to retrieve the information requested would, even if possible, involve disproportionate cost. However, figures for the total amount of compensation paid to claimants in Northern Ireland due to helicopter activity from April 1989 to March 1994 are set out.
£ 1 April 1989–31 March 1990 594,899 1 April 1990–31 March 1991 1,240,680 1 April 1991–31 March 1992 2,796,735 1 April 1992–31 March 1993 4,170,361 1 April 1993–31 March 1994 6,456,702 For the remainder of the 10-year period computer records show compensation paid out to claimants for damage to livestock as follows:
£ 1 April 1994–31 March 1995 5,743,922 1 April 1995–31 March 1996 1,426,424 1 April 1996–31 March 1997 442,040 1 April 1997–31 March 1998 460,021 1 April 1998–30 September 1999 184,953 The form in which the information is compiled does not indicate whether the claimants who received compensation payments were farmers. The figures also include elements of loss/damage to fencing, silage, land etc. To produce a breakdown of the individual amounts paid in each case to reflect the amount of compensation paid for animals only would again involve disproportionate cost.
The guidance issued to helicopter pilots with regard to minimising damage applies to all pilots, regardless of where they are serving, and is highlighted at an early stage of their training. Damage to crops and livestock can be caused only by low-flying. Pilots are reminded that, when such activity is necessary, whether due to prevailing operational commitment or weather constraints, appropriate action should be taken, in particular where there is a known or perceived sensitive area—for example, hospitals, stables etc.—to minimise the impact of their actions on the local community.
§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many helicopters are presently in use in Northern Ireland; and how many(a) flights took place, (b) flying hours were recorded and (c) complaints were received in each of the last three years. [56379]
443W
§ Mr. George RobertsonThere are currently 40 helicopters operated by the Royal Air Force, Army Air Corps and Royal Navy which have an operational tasking in Northern Ireland. Records of individual flights in the Province over the last three years are not maintained; however, 81,174 flying hours were recorded in the period concerned. These are as follows:
Dates Flying hours 1 January 1996–31 December 1996 28,911 1 January 1997–31 December 1997 30,083 1 January 1998–30 September 1998 22,180 Formal records on complaints about military helicopters were not kept until the beginning of 1997. In that year 749 complaints were recorded, and at the end of August in the current year, 475 complaints had been recorded.