Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, which personnel aboard Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers will need to wear active noise cancellation headsets; how many such headsets will be required; and what the cost of such headsets will be.

The requirement for Active Noise Reduction (ANR) headsets for personnel associated with operating F-35B onboard Queen Elizabeth Class (QEC) aircraft carriers will be tailored to individuals' noise exposure. As with all flight operatives on Aircraft Carriers,this will apply to personnel on the flight deck and not on other areas of the ship. The noise exposure will be dependent upon the operational employment of personnel, which will be defined through the ongoing development of operating procedures. The design specification of the headsets will be commensurate with the noise exposure, and in cognisance of The Control of Noise at Work Regulations, 2005. The preferred product is due to be ordered prior to the QEC entering service.