To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport whether he plans to require cabin air quality monitoring systems to be installed on passenger aircraft. (286904)

[holding answer 14 July 2009]: UK passengers travel on a range of global airlines. Within Europe, we suggest that any mandatory system to be fitted to commercial passenger aircraft would have to be required and approved by the European Aviation Safety Agency, on the basis of evidence that it was necessary and fit for purpose i.e. capable of detecting any specific items of concern in the circumstances where these might occur. In the UK we are conducting research to ascertain what substances are in cabin air, and at what concentrations, both in normal circumstances and during occasional “fume events”. When we have obtained and assessed this information, it may be appropriate for the UK to recommend some kind of detection systems.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport what procedures are used to quantify and investigate instances of air contamination on board commercial aircraft; and if he will make a statement. (286905)

[holding answer 14 July 2009]: The principal procedure is the Mandatory Occurrence Reporting scheme which the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) established in 1976. Its objectives are to ensure that the CAA is advised of any hazardous, or potentially hazardous, incidents and defects (occurrences), and that appropriate action is taken. All reports are disseminated to the relevant specialists in CAA. The Head of the Aviation Health Unit will see any where health effects are reported.

Should an individual wish to bypass his employer in reporting an incident, a separate procedure exists whereby details can be sent to the Confidential Human Factors Incident Reporting Programme.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport what the responsibilities of (a) his Department, (b) the Civil Aviation Authority and (c) the Health and Safety Executive are in relation to the health of persons on board commercial aircraft; and if he will make a statement. (286906)

[holding answer 14 July 2009]: The functions of the Secretary of State for Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) with respect to health are set out in section 8 of the Civil Aviation Act 2006.

S8 (2) amends the functions of the Secretary of State in the Civil Aviation Act 1982 to include a “general duty of organising, carrying out and encouraging measures for safeguarding the health of persons on board aircraft”.

S8 (3) amends the functions of the CAA to include the “health of persons on board aircraft”.

S8 (4) requires the CAA to provide assistance to the Secretary of State in relation to the function.

The CAA established the Aviation Health Unit in 2003 as a centre of expertise on aviation health matters. It provides advice to the UK Government and other stakeholders; and suggests and oversees research on relevant aviation medical issues.

Separately, the CAA has specific health and safety regulatory responsibilities under the Civil Aviation (Working Time) Regulations 2004 for crew members (flight and cabin crew) of UK public transport aircraft. The Regulations require employers to ensure that each crew member is provided with adequate health and safety protection and prevention services or facilities appropriate to the nature of his employment.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is responsible for the enforcement of health and safety legislation in Great Britain and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSWA) applies within British air space. A memorandum of understanding exists between the CAA and the HSE to reduce regulatory duplication of effort. Similar arrangements exist for Northern Ireland.