§ Baroness Wilcoxasked Her Majesty's Government:
What benefits are expected to flow from the activities of the inter-departmental Aviation Health Working Group; and over what time period. [HL26]
§ The Minister of State, Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (Lord Falconer of Thoroton)The Aviation Health Working Group has agreed the following terms of reference:
"The Aviation Health Working Group will meet on a regular basis and will work in partnership with other interested parties to give effect to the Government response to the House of Lords Inquiry into Air Travel and Health. Particular responsibilities identified in the response are to:
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- Provide a forum for interested Government departments and agencies to consider issues relevant to aviation health;
- Provide an interface with the air transport industry, health experts and other interested parties on aviation health issues of mutual interest;
- Evaluate the need for research into issues related to air travel and health, and consider the role of Government in supporting such research;
- Ensure Ministers are kept informed and receive comprehensive advice on aviation health matters;
- Monitor developments that impinge on the health of those travelling by air."
The group has so far met on three occasions. The initial focus of its work was to produce government-approved advice on the risks of deep vein thrombosis for air travellers. Preliminary short advice has already been circulated to airlines and tour operators, and more detailed advice will be issued to general practitioners and the airline industry and made available through the NHS Direct website shortly. The aim of producing such advice is to ensure that passengers have access to detailed information on the risk of deep vein thrombosis to allow them to make informed choices before they fly. The group has been particularly impressed with some of the material provided by UK airlines for their passengers in the form of pamphlets or videos.
Representatives from airlines and other interested parties attended a meeting of the group on 4 May 2001. At this meeting the airlines gave information on current practice in relation to issues such as in-flight medical emergency equipment and noise on-board aircraft. The group is now considering whether current practice in these areas meets the needs of passengers and crew members.
The group will also give detailed consideration to the need for further research on aviation health matters once the scoping study that is currently under way is completed in July 2001.
§ Baroness Wilcoxasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether, given the strengthened role for the Cabinet Office in the delivery of cross departmental policies, that office will be represented on the inter-departmental Aviation Health Working Group. [HL27]
§ Lord Falconer of ThorotonThe permanent members of the group are the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, the Department of Health, the Civil Aviation Authority and the Health and Safety Executive. The Cabinet Office is kept informed of the group's work and can attend where appropriate.