HC Deb 31 July 1997 vol 299 c531W
Mr. Chidgey

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the number of passenger journeys on airlines covered by "Airworthiness Notice 64" which will take place between 1 June and 30 September this year. [11366]

Ms Glenda Jackson

Airworthiness notice 64 applies to all passenger aircraft on the UK register which have a maximum weight in excess of 5,700 kg or capable of carrying more than 20 passengers. No estimate has been made of the number of passenger journeys which will be carried out by such aircraft this summer.

Mr. Chidgey

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, (1) pursuant to his answer of 22 July,Official Report, columns 493–94, concerning minimum space for seated passengers, what assessment he has made of the safety risk posed to this portion of the population which falls outside the normal design extremes covered in "Airworthiness Notice 64 (March 1989)"; and if he will make a statement. [11365]

(2) pursuant to his answer of 22 July, Official Report, columns 493–94, concerning minimum space for seated passengers, if he will update "Airworthiness Notice 64 (March 1989)" to take account of the latest anthropometric data. [11364]

Ms Jackson

It is not practicable for the design criteria for aircraft seats to cover both extremes of body size. The anthropometric range used in airworthiness notice no. 64 represents a practical standard for the design and installation of aircraft seats. There is no reason why an individual who falls outside the anthropometric range used by the Civil Aviation Authority should be at greater risk during an emergency evacuation.

There has been no significant change in the anthropometric data since 1989 and the CAA has no proposals to review this standard.