29 Oct 2007 : Column 870W

Military Aircraft: Air Conditioning

Alan Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps her Department has taken in response to symptoms of tunnel vision, loss of balance and loss of feeling in hands and lower arms reported by the pilots of a BAe 146 on 19 February 2007; and what assessment she has made of the health and safety implications of those symptoms. [161276]

Jim Fitzpatrick: The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) conducted an investigation into an incident involving a German registered Boeing 146 D-AEWB, departing from Birmingham on 19 February 2007. Following the incident, the engine, serial number LF05407AC, was replaced. German authorities received a copy of the report which is published in the July 2007 edition of the AAIB Bulletin and can be found on their website at:

http://www.aaib.dft.gov.uk/publications/bulletins/july_2007/bae_146_300__d_aewb.cfm

The independent Committee on Toxicity (COT) recently completed its evidence review of cabin air fume events. Its report, which was published on 20 September, can be found on its website. The COT considered that it was not possible to conclude whether cabin air exposures (either general or following incidents) cause ill-health in commercial aircraft crews. It recommended further work, in particular and as a priority, to ascertain whether substances in the cabin environment during fume events could potentially be harmful to health. COT considered that this work should be designed to detect ‘any’ potentially harmful substances, rather than focus on named substances.

In keeping with its commitment to promoting healthy flying, the Department accepts this priority. We have recently been testing equipment which may be capable of capturing substances released during fume incidents. Subject to the results of this testing, the Department hopes to begin a study later this year or early next year.