§ Mr. WilsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what consideration he has given to the safety and security implications of airline passengers using telecommunications technology while airborne; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NorrisThe responsibility for the safety regulation of civil aviation rests with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
It has been found that transmissions from portable telephones may cause interference with an aircraft's own electronic sySterns. Earlier this month the CAA issued an updated aeronautical information circular giving guidance on this matter to air operators, pilots, flight crew and all 585W concerned with the operation of the aircraft. They were advised that the use of portable telephones in aircraft is not permitted, and that they should require passengers to switch them off.