Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Luke (Conservative). It was answered on Wednesday, 18 June 2008.

Armed Forces: Joint Warrior

Question: My Lords, on behalf of these Benches I offer most sincere condolences to the families of the four soldiers whose sad deaths we heard about today. Is there a definite rule concerning consultations in circumstances such as those mentioned? Is there, indeed, an established method of communication between local military bases and the relevant local authorities as well as those further afield? I refer, of course, to one-off military exercises and not those conducted down a fixed line of flight.

Answer: My Lords, when we engage in military exercises we try to ensure that the local community is given as much notice as possible. We are not always able to accede to all the demands but we try to take into account issues such as conservation or disruption to the local population by, for example, low-flying aircraft. We endeavour to give as much information as possible.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 702 c1024-5
Session: 2007-08
Oral question type: Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Lords chamber
Subjects: Public consultation Military exercises NATO countries Joint exercises Cape Wrath
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk