§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Transport if the Civil Aviation Authority has made any studies of the stowage and use of smoke hoods on board aircraft; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerSafety matters are the statutory responsibility of the Civil Aviation Authority and not of my right hon. Friend. The CAA has made a study and I understand that smoke hoods are commercially available which would enable cabin crew to fight in-flight fires. These types of hood are bulky and special training is needed in their use. They are not suitable for passengers.
From time to time, the CAA reviews the availability of devices which would be effective for passenger protection.