§ Mr. SackvilleTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has as to what route licence applications have been received for air services out of(a) Manchester and (b) Gatwick; and which of each have been (i) rejected, (ii) approved and (iii) are still under consideration.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyAir transport licensing is the statutory responsibility of the Civil Aviation Authority. I am drawing the question to the attention of the chairman of the authority so that he may reply.
§ Mr. McCrindleTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what conclusion the collaborative research programme with other countries has drawn, concerning the potential effectiveness of smoke hoods in protecting against smoke and toxic fumes in fire-related civil air passenger transport accidents; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyAll aspects of civil aviation safety regulation, including passenger evacuation and the provision of passenger smoke hoods are the statutory responsibility of the Civil Aviation Authority. I understand that the authority intends shortly to announce the results of its considerations into the provision of passenger smoke hoods. I will draw my hon. Friend's questions to the attention of the chairman of the authority.