25 July 2007 : Column WA86

Lord Tyler asked Her Majesty's Government:

What discussions the Civil Aviation Authority has had with its counterparts in other countries, including the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority, to ensure that similar advice is given when smoke or fumes are detected in cabin air. [HL4954]

Lord Bassam of Brighton: The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has not discussed the alignment of advice on this issue with other safety regulators. But the CAA and other safety regulators such as theAustralian Civil Aviation Safety Authority determine appropriate actions with regard to available safety information, including recommendations from air accident investigators.

Aircraft manufacturers are required, during type certification, to provide emergency drills for abnormal situations, including smoke, fumes and air contamination. The CAA ensures that these procedures are correctly reflected in air operators’ written procedures and training.