HC Deb 05 March 1990 vol 168 cc535-6W
Mr. Robert Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will set out the frequency of tests for heart conditions for Royal Air Force pilots.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

All RAF aircrew are given an electrocardiogram test (ECG) on entry and thereafter, as a routine matter, an annual medical examination. Aircrew aged between 25 and 30 years old are given an ECG every five years; those aged over 30 every two years and those aged over 40 annually. Additionally, aircrew are given a chest X-ray on entry, which is repeated when they are 50 years of age. There are also annual blood tests.

Mr. Robert Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will set out the number of Royal Air Force aircraft crashes which were attributed to pilot illness during the last 20 years.

Mr. Neubert

Since 1 January 1970 there have been three RAF aircraft accidents in which the aircraft crashed and which could be attributed to pilot illness.