§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if any research has been conducted into evacuation times from narrow bodied, single aisle aircraft; and if he will make a statement.
(2) if any research has been conducted into evacuation times from narrow bodied aircraft with different combinations of exits unavailable; and if he will make a statement.
(3) if any research has been conducted into the effect on passenger evacuation times of seating and partition layouts in narrow bodied, single aisle aircraft; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerCivil aviation safety is the statutory responsibility of the Civil Aviation Authority. I understand from the CAA that evacuation times from narrow body single-aisle aircraft have been researched by British and American manufacturers and summarised by the Aerospace Industries Association of America. Further work has been carried out in the United States of America based upon tests and accident data, including the effects of different combinations of exits being unavailable. Research into the effects of seating and partition layouts, including aisle widths, has been based upon the results of aircraft airworthiness testing and accident data analysis. The authority is currently considering research into the effects of galley layouts and partitions following the accident at Manchester last August.