§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Transport if any joint action is proposed with all international airlines to obtain an agreed and firm policy on banning drunks from flying; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerIn the case of all aircraft in the United Kingdom, whether United Kingdom or foreign registered, it is already an offence under the Air Navigation Order 1985 for any person to act recklessly or negligently in a manner likely to endanger an aircraft or any person therein; to enter any aircraft when drunk; or to be drunk while on board.
§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Transport what guidance is issued by the Civil Aviation Authority regarding the authority of the captain of an aircraft to make the final decision on the fitness of a passenger to fly without endangering other passengers and the aircraft and on his right to allocate seats in the interests of safety; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerGuidance is unnecessary. The duties and powers of the commander of any United Kingdom-registered aircraft are governed by the Air Navigation Order 1985. The commander may give any lawful command to secure the safety of his aircraft or the passengers and property carried. The order requires that any person in a United Kingdom-registered aircraft must obey all such commands. In addition, section 94 of the Civil Aviation Act 1982 gives effect to the Tokyo convention on offences and certain other acts committed on board aircraft. Under the Act the commander of an aircraft in flight may take reasonable measures in respect of a person, including restraint, to protect the safety of the aircraft, persons or property on board, to maintain good order and discipline, and to enable the disembarkation of that person.