§ Lord Morris of Manchesterasked Her Majesty's Government:
What monitoring takes place of the seating space allowed for passengers in aircraft using British airports; what minimum standards apply to the space airlines must allow between rows; where responsibility lies for ensuring acceptable minimum standards; and whether they have any proposals for reviewing or making mandatory such standards. [HL2408]
§ The Minister of State, Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (Lord Falconer of Thoroton)Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulations require UK-registered aircraft to have a minimum distance of 26 inches between the back support cushion of a seat and the back of the seat or other fixed structure in front. The CAA achieves oversight of the continued adherence to the requirements by a variety of inspection and audit procedures. A recent study, aimed principally at harmonising European standards in this area, found that in view of the increased height and weight of the population, there should be an increase in seat spacing. The joint aviation authorities are considering its recommendations.