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AIRCRAFT SAFETY AT RISK Concerns of airline personnel and passengers about ‘air contamination’ incidents on flights, which have apparently caused both acute and chronic ill-health, were again raised in the House of Lords on Monday by Liberal Democrat Peer, Lord (Paul) Tyler. Speaking in the Grand Committee, he said: “Fume events of various kinds that threaten not only the long-term health of airline staff but the immediate safety of all on board a given aircraft are currently not reported adequately. There are clear signals from within the industry that the consequences for pilots of reporting such events can be dire. Licences can be lost and careers ended. If these issues, many of which are complex, are ever to be resolved, we must address that fundamental issue.” In his response, Transport Minister, Lord Tunnicliffe, said, “The noble Lord, Lord Tyler, is clearly not happy with what the Government are doing so far, particularly on fume events. We think that we are doing the right thing.”
Speaking after the debate, Lord Tyler said, “The Government doesn’t seem to have understood or accepted even the advice of the expert Lords Committee, which considered this issue. “There was a clear recommendation that the evidence of ill health amongst pilots and cabin staff should be examined urgently. “As I emphasised again, the safety of aircraft could be at risk. Yet Ministers constantly drag their feet and make excuses. “I have again challenged the Minister a follow-up letter, and I hope will get some more forthcoming response when he has had time to consider the issues raised by all the Peers present in this debate.” The full debate is available at: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200708/ldhansrd/text/81124-gc0005.htm#08112411000109 – HL Deb, 24th November 2008, GC 155 |
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Wednesday, 07 January 2009
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