§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he will introduce regulations regarding the wearing of survival suits(a) by passengers, and (b) by crew, on helicopters operating on North sea rigs and platforms;
(2) whether he will introduce standards for survival suits to be worn by passengers in helicopters travelling to and from North sea rigs and platforms;
(3) if he intends to introduce regulations to ensure a standard lifejacket to be worn by helicopter passengers on North sea rigs and platforms.
§ Mr. McLoughlinThe statutory responsibility for the safety regulation of United Kingdom civil aviation rests with the Civil Aviation Authority.
I am advised by the authority that provisions already exist in the Air Navigation Order for the wearing of survival suits by crew members. The authority has no jurisdiction to legislate for the wearing of suits by passengers though I understand that the suits are normally so worn.
The carriage of lifejackets for the use of passengers is governed by the provisions contained in the Air Navigation Order and such lifejackets must meet the standards specified by the CAA.