§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent discussions he has had with the CAA concerning frozen effluent falling from aeroplanes over residential areas. [137747]
§ Mr. MullinI refer the hon. Member to my reply of Thursday 25 November 1999,Official Report, column 171W.
The Secretary of State has not had any recent discussions with the CAA over such incidents. However the CAA is continuing to investigate icefall incidents whenever possible.
496WI understand the hon. Member met CAA staff on 18 May specifically to discuss icefalls, following which the CAA wrote to her on 26 May 2000 providing comprehensive details of icefall incidents. In the period 1 January 2000 to 1 November 2000, 36 incidents of icefall and 21 incidents of other falling objects were recorded. The average number of incidents recorded over the five-year period 1995–99 was 31.
The CAA places the primary emphasis on prevention, and both the Authority and airlines are putting a great deal of effort into eliminating icefalls by checking water systems for leaks. The CAA has also issued reminders to UK operators, by way of Airworthiness Directives, emphasising the importance of regular checks.