HC Deb 26 October 1999 vol 336 c851W
Mr. Swayne

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what advice he plans to offer commercial airlines in respect of the equipment they routinely carry against the possibility of medical emergencies; [94893]

(2) what assessment his Department has made of the equipment carried by commercial aircraft for use in medical emergencies. [94894]

Ms Stuart

Following informal discussions with the Department, the Medical Directors of the Association of European Airlines are reviewing current provision of emergency equipment and training on aircraft with the European Resuscitation Council. This will take account of what the Civil Aviation Authority already set out, the updated requirements of the EC harmonised Joint Airline Regulations covering commercial airlines, recommendations from the Aerospace Medical Association and ongoing international work. We will consider the expert advice when it is ready and discuss what action may be needed with Ministerial colleagues in other government departments and with the industry.