21 Mar 2006 : Column 241W

Cabin Air Supply

Mr. Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has received the report from Boeing on Aerotoxic Syndrome affecting pilots during flight; and if he will make a statement. [59353]

Derek Twigg: We are not aware of any recent reports by Boeing on "aerotoxic syndrome."

The Department for Transport does not want anyone travelling by air to be exposed to serious health risks. We have arranged for the independent Committee on Toxicity (COT) to conduct an evidence review of any such risks in cabin air. This process is under way and the formal COT meeting will be held in public in May or July this year.