§ 107. Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representatons he has received concerning compensaton payments to the widows of Royal Air Force personnel killed in the Chinook helicopter accident in the Falkland Islands on 27 February 1987; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NeubertA number of representations have been received from hon. Members and from others. Formal claims on behalf of the dependants of five of the Royal Air Force personnel who lost their lives on 27 February 1987 were commenced by solicitors in August 1987. Since then, correspondence has continued between the solicitors and the Department, whose claims branch is awaiting the completion of all necessary inquiries into the incident, including the results of an inquest by Her Majesty's coroner. Once these inquiries have been completed, it is hoped to be able to come to a decision very quickly on any ex-gratia compensation which might be payable.