To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether Her Majesty's Government or their North Atlantic Treaty Organisation allies are proposing measures (i) to protect the civilian population of the countries affected by low-flying exercises from accidents and damage and (ii) to compensate the victims of such accidents.

There are well established procedures for compensating members of the public in cases where it is established that personal injury or damage to property has resulted from military aircraft activity. These arrangements are kept under review and are subject to revision where appropriate. All possible steps are taken to keep to a minimum the risks associated with this essential military training.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if military aircraft operating in the United Kingdom low-flying system, outside the three designated tactical training areas, are permitted to descend below 250 ft minimum separation distance in special circumstances such as the run-in to targets during simulated attack or interception manoeuvres; and if he will make a statement.

Only within range areas, which fall within the physical boundaries of the United Kingdom low-flying system, but which are not part of the system in that they are designated avoidance areas for low-flying training, are aircraft permitted to descend below 250 ft minimum separation distance during the final approaches to a target.