§ Mr. WilshireTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the possible threat to aircraft from toy rockets now on sale in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. McLoughlinI am advised by the Civil Aviation Authority that as aircraft structures are certificated to withstand the impact of birds weighing far more than these toy rockets, they believe that such rockets do not pose a major hazard to aircraft. Nevertheless, the CAA is examining amendments to the Air Navigation Order which would place restrictions on the use of such toys in close proximity to aerodromes. Currently under the provisions of the Air Navigation Order it is an offence for anyone recklessly or negligently to hazard an aircraft and the use of such rockets in such a manner constitutes an offence.