§ Mr. Shersbyasked the Secretary of State for Defence what restrictions are in force on the use of personal radios, calculators and similar equipment, including that which uses light-emitting displays, by passengers on aircraft used by the Royal Air Force; and if he will give details.
§ Mr. StanleyAs part of our wider restrictions on the carriage of dangerous articles by air, special regulations apply to the carriage in RAF transport aircraft of portable electronic equipment such as radios, television sets, cassette recorders, calculators and cameras. In general, these items are to be switched off and not used on board the aircraft.
However, a recent dispensation has been given for the operation of equipment such as calculators and tape recorders in VC10 aircraft only, provided that the aircraft captain has given his prior permission. Dry cell batteries for all such appliances are to be fitted correctly or, if carried separately, the terminals are to be taped over to prevent inadvertent short-circuiting.
In addition to standing joint service regulations, passengers are advised of the precautions to be taken, by means of posters and briefing at the service departure airfield. Furthermore, a 100 per cent. hand baggage check identifies the major items, and the passenger is duly advised. Lastly, a recently introduced passenger ticket which is used on a number of routes has the precautions written on it. This ticket system is to be expanded further.