HL Deb 09 January 1996 vol 568 cc10-1WA
The Earl of Sandwich

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether leg-room in public transport, including civil aviation, has been progressively reduced over the last 10 years; and what standards or guidelines exist to regulate this matter.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Transport (Viscount Goschen)

The Department of Transport has no statistics showing changes to the amount of leg-room in public transport.

Minimum space requirements for passenger seats on UK registered public transport aircraft are set by the Civil Aviation Authority on safety grounds and published as Airworthiness Notice No. 64. Provided that the minimum requirements are met, seat spacing is a matter for the commercial judgment of the airline concerned. Similarly, standards for seat spacing on trains is a matter for the commercial judgment of operators.