§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he has had discussions with the Civil Aviation Authority regarding the need for new regulations to cover the crash worthiness of civil helicopters; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerMy right hon. Friend and I meet the Civil Aviation Authority regularly to discuss a range of matters. The Civil Aviation Authority is responsible for airworthiness matters, and as recommended in last year's report of the helicopter airworthiness review panel they are reviewing all aspects of helicopter airworthiness with authorities overseas, both in the USA and in Europe. This review is currently concentrating on the subject of human tolerance to impact and to the acceleration forces in a crash. The CAA and overseas airworthiness authorities will use the results of the review to reassess helicopter design criteria and safety regulations, with a view to ensuring that occupants have as good a chance as possible of surviving a crash.