HC Deb 18 March 1996 vol 274 cc43-4W
Mr. David Marshall

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to check the airworthiness of all aircraft used in the holiday charter market; and if he will make a statement. [21116]

Mr. Norris

All international public transport aircraft are required to have a certificate of airworthiness issued by the aviation authority of their state of registration. Before permission is granted for a non-European Economic Area aircraft to fly to the United Kingdom, the Department of Transport seeks confirmation that such a certificate has been issued in respect of the aircraft. If there is any doubt about the safe operation of the aircraft, no permit will be issued until the Department is satisfied as to its safety. This may involve the Department asking the Civil Aviation Authority to conduct a physical check of the aircraft.