§ Mr. Whitakerasked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether he is satisfied that rear-facing seats in airliners are safer than forward-facing ones; and whether he will make a statement;
(2) whether he will take steps to provide that all new airliners in future have their seats facing rearwards.
§ Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu:It is considered that in certain circumstances rearward-facing seats could provide superior protection to passengers but there is insufficient evidence to justify making such seating mandatory on United Kingdom registered aircraft. The matter is being kept under review.