§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans the Government have to conduct and publish research into the environmental effect of sonar weapons on marine mammals. [105315]
§ Mr. Kilfoyle[holding answer 20 January 2000]: The Ministry of Defence does not use sonar weapons and has not, therefore, undertaken any primary research into the environmental effects of such devices on marine mammals. We do use active and passive sonars as sensors and all MOD research involving the use of active sonars is assessed to ensure that it complies with the European Union Habitat Directive and Joint Nature Conservancy Council guidelines. The output from any such research is published via international journals and as conference papers in accordance with normal scientific practice.
§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans the Government have to develop a long-range low-frequency sonar system for use on marine vessels. [105314]
§ Mr. Kilfoyle[holding answer 20 January 2000]: We are currently developing a low frequency sonar which we plan to fit to the Type 23 Frigate.