HC Deb 23 October 1968 vol 770 cc287-8W
45. Mr. Leadbitter

asked the President of the Board of Trade what proposals he has, arising from the findings of the inquiry into the destruction of the British European Airways Comet over the Mediterranean in October, 1967, for the improved safety of passengers; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. William Rodgers

I am following up the recommendations both for a feasibility study of the methods of detecting explosive devices and for the development of means to facilitate the location and recovery of the flight data recorder when an aircraft crashes into water. In both cases there are difficult technical problems which will take some time to investigate.

46. Mr. Leadbitter

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he has taken to ensure that all planes used for package deal holiday trips are fully maintained, inspected, not overworked and controlled for this purpose by a total number of flying hours or a maximum number of years in service.

Mr. William Rodgers

All aircraft used for public transport are required to be maintained in accordance with maintenance schedules approved by the Air Registration Board. These require inspection, maintenance and overhaul after specified intervals of flying and calendar time. No ultimate life for an aircraft is specified by the Air Registration Board, but they have a procedure under which safe "lives" are established for critical parts.