Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions he has had with representatives of the helicopter industry regarding (a) operational safety and (b) passenger confidence in the use of helicopters for transport in the offshore oil and gas sector.

The safety of those who travel on offshore helicopter flights is a key priority. That's why in 2014 the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) published a comprehensive review of offshore helicopter flying, resulting in significant changes in safety that were welcomed by everyone involved.

The Department for Transport and the CAA will continue to work with the helicopter operators, the offshore industries, international regulators, unions and pilot representatives to enhance offshore safety standards still further.