§ Lord GainfordMy Lords, in asking the Question standing in my name on the Order Paper, I wish to declare an interest, in that I am president of the Air Safety Group.
The Question was as follows:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether steps are being taken to implement the proposal by the Civil Aviation Authority that the minimum width of aisles in airliners should be increased from 20 inches (51 centimetres) to 30 inches (76 centimetres) to facilitate the escape of passengers from any airliner in a case of emergency.
§ Baroness Miller of HendonMy Lords, following the accident at Manchester Airport in 1985, the Civil Aviation Authority commissioned a study into the effect of cabin configuration on aircraft evacuations. That study concluded, among other things, that the optimum width for passageways between floor to ceiling rigid structures, such as galleys, was 30 inches. The study made no recommendation relating to the minimum width of aisles between passenger seating. The CAA proposals based on those studies are now being considered by the Joint Aviation Authorities' Cabin Safety Group.
§ Lord GainfordMy Lords, I thank the Minister for that Answer and offer my commiserations on her unfortunate throat affliction. Further to the tragic accident at Manchester, can my noble friend say what lessons have been learnt and what remedies possibly put into effect in relation to passenger evacuation in an emergency?
§ Baroness Miller of HendonMy Lords, I thank my noble friend for his sympathy regarding my voice. The main lesson learnt from the Manchester accident is that behaviour of passengers in a real emergency evacuation must be taken fully into account in the design of passenger cabins. As well as changes to the minimum width of passageways between rigid structures—to which I referred—the Civil Aviation Authority is considering changes to the design of over-wing emergency exits. The main possibility being considered is providing the current disposable hatch with a hinged mechanism.
§ Lord Dean of BeswickMy Lords, is the Minister aware that some proposals are in hand to try to fit additional seats in existing aircraft to increase the payload? Will she support opposition to that type of proposal? It is one of the worst features being considered in the carrying of people by aeroplane.
§ Baroness Miller of HendonMy Lords, I apologise to the noble Lord but I did not hear everything he said. It appears that none of us did. There may be something wrong with the microphone. Will the noble Lord kindly repeat his question?
§ Lord Dean of BeswickMy Lords, there appears to be a tendency among certain airlines to try to fit more seats into existing aircraft against the interests of the travelling public. Wherever that is suggested, will the Government oppose the idea?
§ Baroness Miller of HendonMy Lords, I am sure that the Government will oppose the idea. As your Lordships are aware, we consider safety to be paramount at all times.
§ Lord Boyd-CarpenterMy Lords, in view of the great experience of the Civil Aviation Authority in matters of air safety—probably the most effective experience anywhere in the world—will my noble friend indicate that the Government are paying serious attention to its recommendations?
§ Baroness Miller of HendonMy Lords, indeed they are.
§ Lord Clinton-DavisMy Lords, like the noble Lord, Lord Gainford, the House has every sympathy with the noble Baroness in her plight. I have promised to be especially nice to her on this occasion. Can the Minister indicate when the Joint Aviation Authorities' considerations are likely to be complete and when it is likely, in consequence, that the Government will be able to announce to Parliament their consideration of its recommendations?
§ Baroness Miller of HendonMy Lords, as your Lordships are aware, the Civil Aviation Authority has been pursuing the proposals through the Joint Aviation Authorities. Any amendment to Joint Aviation Requirement 25, such as the increased minimum width of passageways, would have to be progressed through the JAA and the EC Aviation Safety Committee, in consultation with airlines through the normal notice of proposed amendment procedure. We believe that the consultation period will start in a few months' time.
§ Baroness Gardner of ParkesMy Lords, can my noble friend say whether she saw the reports in the weekend newspapers of the difference in accident results arising from the different brace positions adopted by passengers in crashing aircraft and the difference in the types of fracture sustained? The position adopted can have a significant effect on one's chances of escape from the plane. Can my noble friend inform me also whether such matters are the responsibility of the CAA and whether it is possible for research to be carried out into claims that our brace position causes spinal injuries?
§ Baroness Miller of HendonMy Lords, I am happy to tell my noble friend that it does come within the ambit of the Civil Aviation Authority, which is due to publish a document later this year. My noble friend may be pleased to know also that British aeroplanes seem to have a better record from the point of view of fractures sustained than some European aeroplanes.
§ Lord MolloyMy Lords, will consideration be given to seeking the views of the crews on aircraft who look after the passengers? If we ask that they tell us of their difficulties, I am sure that they will give us first-hand information of what can be done to improve the situation.
§ Baroness Miller of HendonMy Lords, the consultation with the airlines should take in the views of cabin staff. I shall make that point known.