§ Mr. DayTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether the Eurocae standard on passenger protective breathing equipment has now been published; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. McLoughlinThe Eurocae minimum operational performance specification for passenger protective breathing equipment (PPBE), document Eurocae ED-65, was approved for publication by the Eurocae Council on 30 April 1991. I understand that publication is expected by mid-July 1991.
§ Mr. DayTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will call for a report from the chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority on its policy on the use of smoke hoods by its staff when travelling by air.
§ Mr. McLoughlinI am advised that the Civil Aviation Authority does not issue smoke hoods to its staff and has no policy concerning the use of smoke hoods by its staff when travelling by air. It is open to all individuals, including CAA staff, to buy a smoke hood for themselves if they so choose; but I understand that the smoke hoods currently on the market do not meet the CAA's specification for aircraft smoke hoods, being primarily designed for escape from fires in buildings.