HC Deb 14 June 1967 vol 748 cc562-3
60. Mr. Bidwell

asked the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has for changing the regulations at present requiring certificates of maintenance for civil aircraft to be signed by licensed aircraft maintenance engineers.

Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu

The Air Registration Board, who are my advisers in airworthiness matters, have suggested that the regulations should be expanded to allow certificates of maintenance to be issued by approved maintenance organisations, and this suggestion is being examined.

Mr. Bidwell

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that the licensed aircraft maintenance engineers hold well considered views? Does he recall the question which I put to his right hon. Friend after the statement on the recent air crashes? Will not the Department accept that this is not the time in any way to diminish present aircraft maintenance standards for safety?

Mr. Mallalieu

This is certainly not the time to diminish standards and if there were any question of that being the effect, we should reject the proposals.

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