§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what research has been undertaken by(a) his Department and (b) the Civil Aviation Authority into the benefits of the introduction of (i) rear-facing seats and (ii) three-point seat belts in aircraft. [38590]
§ Mr. NorrisNone. The Civil Aviation Authority considered undertaking research into rear-facing seats but this did not proceed beyond the feasibility study stage because of the practical difficulties involved with this seating configuration. However, this subject may be discussed by the international group for cabin safety research of which the CAA is a member.
§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what research has been undertaken by the Civil Aviation Authority into the effect of water misting sprays in aircraft; and what assessment he has made of the effects on evacuation times of such systems. [38554]
§ Mr. NorrisThe Civil Aviation Authority participated in the international cabin water spray research management group, which oversaw a programme of 15W research in this area. The programme concluded that cabin water spray systems would be of benefit only in specific and rare circumstances and that the costs associated with the installation and operation of these systems cannot be justified when compared with the potential benefits. The conclusions of the research programme were published in June 1993—CAA paper 93012.