Written question asked by Robert Key (Conservative) on Wednesday, 26 June 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 3 July 2002. It was answered by David Jamieson (Labour) on Wednesday, 3 July 2002 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Dept for Transport

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, at what time on 19th June National Air Traffic Services at Swanwick was first informed that a KLM Fokker 70 aircraft flying from Amsterdam to Bristol was passing over a live Army artillery exercise on Salisbury Plain; and what action they took.

Answer: Mr. Key: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport at what time on 19 June National Air Traffic Services at Swanwick was first informed that a KLM Fokker 70 aircraft flying from Amsterdam to Bristol was passing over a live Army artillery exercise on Salisbury Plain; and what action they took. [65198] Mr. Jamieson: The incident occurred at 10:30 hrs BST on 19 June. The Fokker 70 was detected by the MOD's Boscombe radar. On detection, Boscombe immediately invoked the Clear Range Procedure to ensure that activity in the Danger Area ceased before the aircraft penetrated the airspace, and informed NATS. As the aircraft was approaching its Bristol destination, and firing in the Danger Areas had been suspended, NATS permitted the aircraft to complete its journey. NATS subsequently initiated a full investigation into the incident which is also being examined by the CAA.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 388 c355-6W;388 c353-4W; 65198
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Aircraft Air routes Ministry of Defence Safety Weapons Testing KLM NATS Salisbury Plain
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk