Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department has made of the impact of (a) Sea King (b) Westland Wessex (c) Puma and (d) CH-47 Chinook helicopters on air quality in areas with high helicopter air traffic.

Neither the Sea King nor Westland Wessex remain in service with the Ministry of Defence. They were retired in 2018 and 2003 respectively.

We do not believe that there is an increased risk to air quality from Puma and Chinook helicopters. However, we fully recognise the importance of acting on safety concerns. As such, the department has begun work to initiate a programme of engine exhaust emissions substance monitoring for in service helicopters in accordance with Health and Safety Executive approved methods.