The Countess of Mar asked Her Majesty's Government: Why contaminated air detection systems are not fitted to all British commercial aircraft. [HL1641]

Lord Davies of Oldham: There are no statutory requirements for the fitting of air quality monitoring equipment in aircraft. Such equipment is not required because aircraft ventilation systems are designed to supply air of an acceptable standard. This is confirmed at initial certification and each aircraft is subject thereafter to scheduled maintenance actions to ensure those standards are maintained. Air quality monitoring exercises have confirmed the acceptability of cabin air supplied. Where problems are encountered in service these are investigated and changes are introduced as necessary.

October 2005