Written question asked by Tony Baldry (Conservative) on Thursday, 16 November 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 24 November 2000. It was answered by Lord Moonie (Labour) on Friday, 24 November 2000 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the impact of aircraft activity in the Falklands on the breeding patterns of penguins.

Answer: Mr. Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the impact of aircraft activity in the Falklands on the breeding patterns of penguins. [139413] Dr. Moonie: The Minister of Defence has not made any assessment and Falklands Conservation has not carried out specific research on the effects of aircraft overflying penguin colonies in the Falkland Islands. We are not aware that there has been any other related research with any scientific basis. Mount Pleasant Airfield Flying Orders specifically ban aircrews from overflying areas of the Falkland Islands which are known to be sensitive breeding sites of penguins. Those Orders are supported by a detailed map of the sites.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 357 c336W; 139413
Session: 1999-00
Subjects: Falkland Islands Nature conservation Military aircraft Research Penguins
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk