§ 3. Lieut.-Colonel Liptonasked the Minister of Civil Aviation whether, for the better protection of passengers, he will now require the installation of backward-facing seats in aircraft.
§ Mr. MaudlingThe full benefit from the installation of backward-facing seats can be obtained only if the seats and their attachments are strengthened to withstand the deceleration forces encountered at the time of a crash. Such strengthening involves an addition to the weight of the aircraft with corresponding economic penalties. These practical problems are being studied.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonBut has not experience shown backward-facing seats to be a help in saving life in the event of a crash, and has not the time now come when, despite the economic considerations referred to by the hon. Gentleman, steps now should be taken to ensure the maximum possible protection against death in case of accident?
§ Mr. MaudlingIt is not merely an economic matter. I agree that there are advantages in backward-facing seats, but it is also a technical matter, and technical experts themselves would not give an unanimous and clear opinion on the relative merits of backward-facing seats and a strengthened and improved form of forward-facing seats. However, I can assure the hon. and gallant Gentleman that my right hon. Friend is very much aware of the great importance of maintaining the highest possible safety factor in civil aviation, particularly in view of the great improvements in safety in civil aviation that have already taken place.