HC Deb 04 May 1922 vol 153 cc1537-8
13. Mr. RAPER

asked the Secretary of State for Air what Regulations exist as to the carrying by passenger aeroplanes of apparatus to save the lives of those on board in case of a descent into the sea?

Captain GUEST

The question of the introduction of regulations in regard to the provision of life-saving apparatus on civil aircraft has received long and careful consideration, but it is not considered either necessary or desirable at the present time to make any scale of life-saving equipment compulsory, the arrangements made by British firms operating the cross-Channel route being considered satisfactory. Under these arrangements, each passenger is provided with a life-belt, and, on the later types of aircraft, is assured an easy exit from the cabin in case of accident at sea.

Mr. RAPER

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that on one occasion when I was crossing from Paris to London we found it urgently necessary to examine the life-saving belts, and only found one satisfactory? Is it not essential that instructions should be given that life-belts should be satisfactory?

Captain GUEST

I am glad that my attention has been called to that matter.