To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take steps to ensure that certificates issued under clause 142(4) of the Environmental Protection Bill will not prevent effective action being taken against pollution from Royal Air Force training exercises involving the deliberate burning of aviation fuel and other substances.

My Department is currently discussing with the Ministry of Defence whether amendments may be necessary to the Environmental Protection Bill to ensure that the operational activities of the armed services are not unduly restricted. I will write to the hon. Lady about the outcome of those discussions.