§ Mr. Alfred MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has discussed with the chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority the specification for smoke hoods on civil aircraft; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyThe Civil Aviation Authority is responsible for the regulation of air safety. The authority has published a final specification for smoke hoods. I understand that none has yet been shown to meet it and no manufacturer has applied for approval against the specification. The authority has told us that, when a suitable hood does exist, it will review the arguments for and against the provision of smoke hoods and decide if a mandatory requirement would be appropriate.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent representations he has received seeking the mandatory installation of smoke hoods on passenger aircraft; what reply he has sent; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyWe have received no recent representations seeking the mandatory installation of682W smoke hoods on passenger aircraft. Any decision to make smoke hoods mandatory is wholly the responsibility of the Civil Aviation Authority.