Written question asked by Baroness Tonge (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 20 March 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 26 March 2001. It was answered by Lord Moonie (Labour) on Monday, 26 March 2001 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, at what height the Chinook helicopter flew over Kew, Surrey, on 11th April 2000; what instructions are given to military helicopters on training flights regarding low flying in built-up areas, with special reference to the Kew Bridge/M4 junction at Chiswick; what recent discussions he has had with military authorities concerning the behaviour of Chinook helicopters operating over Greater London.

Answer: Dr. Tonge: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) at what height the Chinook helicopter flew over Kew, Surrey, on 11 April 2000; [155167] (2) what instructions are given to military helicopters on training flights regarding low flying in built-up areas, with special reference to the Kew Bridge/M4 junction at Chiswick; [155166] (3) what recent discussions he has had with military authorities concerning the behaviour of Chinook helicopters operating over Greater London. [155168] Dr. Moonie: The Kew Bridge/M4 junction lies within the Thames Valley Avoidance Area and flights over the whole Greater London area are controlled by Heathrow Radar Control. Helicopters must be flown strictly within specific routes and heights unless otherwise directed by the Heathrow Radar Controller. The Chinook helicopter which flew over Kew on 11 April 2000 did not fly below 750 feet (not 700 feet as I stated to the hon. Member in my letter of 17 February). Neither I nor my Ministerial colleagues have had any discussions with military authorities about the behaviour of Chinook helicopters operating over Greater London.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 365 c524W;365 c526W; 155167;155166;155168
Session: 2000-01
Subjects: Greater London Helicopters Low flying Urban areas Chinook helicopters Chiswick
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk