HC Deb 06 March 1961 vol 636 cc8-9
10. Mr. Hopkins

asked the Minister of Aviation whether he will require, before issuing a certificate of airworthiness, that all passenger seats in passenger aircraft should be backwards facing.

Mr. Thorneycroft

I do not at present think it would be right to impose such a requirement on British operators; but the whole question is kept under review.

Mr. Hopkins

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, from the findings of the investigation into the Electra aircraft crash in Boston, it appears that sixteen lives would have been saved if the plane had been so fitted? Will he consider this matter again?

Mr. Thorneycrott

I have seen preliminary reports to that effect, but the investigation is not complete. I am keeping in touch with the American authorities.

Sir G. Nicholson

Would this come under the heading of retrospective legislation?