Written question asked by Alistair Carmichael (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 7 February 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 12 February 2003. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Wednesday, 12 February 2003 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his Answer of 27th January, 398 c638W, on the Eurofighter, what criteria were used in selecting areas for the testing of Eurofighter.

Answer: Mr. Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to his answer of 27 January, Official Report, column 638W, on the Eurofighter, what criteria were used in selecting areas for the testing of Eurofighter. [97601] Mr. Ingram: The three managed areas designated for the training of fast jet crews were selected on the basis that they were sufficiently large to enable training at high speeds, were relatively close to operating bases, and minimised the effect on civilair routes. It is anticipated that the majority of supersonic flights will take place over the sea in the two more southerly areas. The third most northerly area is essential for backup training, particularly when sea and wind states are determined to be too high for safe training over the water. Supersonic flight will not be permitted over land.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 97601; 399 c742W;399 c740W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Pollution Nuisance Monitoring Location Noise Military aircraft Testing Typhoon aircraft
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk