Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to protect aircrew members from exposure to helicopter (a) fuel and (b) exhaust fumes.

Common law claims alleging adverse impact from helicopter fuel and exhaust fumes were first received in 2019.

Without any admission of liability, since 23 April 2023 the Ministry of Defence has made five compensation payments, totalling £3,578,566 in relation to common law claims alleging adverse impact from helicopter fuel and exhaust fumes. As of the 14 November 2024 there are six related, continuing common law compensation claims.

The department is in the process of testing the exhaust emissions of in-service helicopters, including Chinook and Puma to ensure we are meeting our duty of care for personnel. It is essential that we can assure our people of their safety at work.

The Westland Sea king was retired in 2018. The Westland Wessex was retired in 2003.