§ Mr. Leslie Huckfieldasked the Minister of Technology whether he will introduce legislation to reduce the amount of inflammable materials used in the construction of aircraft in this country; what research is being undertaken in this; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David PriceAs the hon. Member knows, research on the reduction of flammability of aircraft materials (both passenger cabin furnishings and electronic/avionic equipment) is in progress; a statement would not be appropriate at the present time. The question of legislation is a matter for my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade.
§ Mr. Leslie Huckfieldasked the Minister of Technology what research he is undertaking to ensure that emergency exits in civil airliners can withstand crash impacts so that they may still be opened.
§ Mr. David PriceAs the hon. Member has been informed, the problem of ensuring that emergency exits have satisfactory opening qualities in a crash is one mainly of designing to rather ill-defined conditions. Consideration is therefore being given to undertaking more work on the overall "crash-worthiness" of aircraft.