§ Mr. RoweTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to change the regulations governing the flying of civil aircraft while under the influence of drink or drugs; and if he will make a statement. [71050]
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§ Ms Glenda JacksonYes. It is currently an offence for any person to act as a member of an aircraft's crew while under the influence of drink or drugs. However, there is no power for the police to require samples from someone suspected of committing an offence. While there is no evidence to suggest that alcohol or drug abuse by aircraft crew is a problem, it is our long-term intention to introduce legislation to set an alcohol limit for aircraft crew and to give the Police the power to require suspected offenders to provide samples for testing.