§ 62. Mr. Staintonasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that in a recent instance, details of which have been sent to him, an aircraft was stranded because its only fire extinguisher was out of service; whether he is satisfied as to the adequacy of his regulations on this matter; what steps he is taking to secure their implementation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. William RodgersI presume the hon. Member is referring to a Channel Airways Viscount which was delayed recently at Aberdeen. The problem arose because of the operator's inability to replace at short notice one of a number of fire extinguishers which the aircraft carries. The requirements governing the carriage of extinguishers are carefully laid down and we have no evidence that324W they are not being complied with. The provision of aircraft spares at a particular airport is not a matter for us.