Mr. John M. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what his policy is on the carrying of life-saving equipment on civil aircraft carrying passengers, with particular reference to the availability of defibrillators on short-haul flights to treat coronary emergencies. [160133]
Mr. Robert AinsworthMinimum international requirements for the carriage of medical equipment on board aircraft are laid down in Joint Aviation Requirements. Decisions on the provision of equipment to deal with emergencies which go beyond these requirements are primarily a matter for airlines. I understand that many UK carriers already exceed existing requirements through the provision of items such as external automatic defibrillators, and are at the forefront of developing such initiatives as ground to air medical advice centres.
The Government are keen to ensure the widest possible use of best practice in this area, and is pursuing the matter through the recently established Aviation Health Working Group. This will include consideration of the current use of defibrillators and the benefits that they provide.