Written question asked by Lord Arbuthnot of Edrom (Conservative) on Wednesday, 26 July 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 23 October 2000. It was answered by Lord Spellar (Labour) on Monday, 23 October 2000 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if the criteria on medical evidence used by the RAF boards of inquiry into the 1994 Chinook crash and the crash on 1st June 1995 of Harrier GR7 ZG475 were identical.

Answer: Mr. Arbuthnot: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the criteria on medical evidence used by the RAF Boards of Inquiry into the 1994 Chinook crash and the crash on 1 June 1995 of Harrier GR7 ZG475 were identical. [133590] Mr. Spellar: All medical investigations following military accidents, including the 1994 Chinook crash and the crash on 1 June 1995 of Harrier GR7 ZG475, are carried out to standards agreed by NATO, and these are comparable to those of the Air Accidents Investigation Board for similar investigations following civil aircraft accidents. Medical investigations into fatal accidents for RAF Boards of Inquiry include an evaluation of the aircrew's medical history and an examination of the remains in an autopsy. However the latter may be limited by the degree of destruction to the body, often encountered in high speed accidents.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 355 c27W; 133590
Session: 1999-00
Subjects: Accidents Air force Inquiries Evidence Medical examinations Chinook helicopters Harrier aircraft
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk