Written question asked by Gwyneth Dunwoody (Labour) on Wednesday, 7 June 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 13 June 2000. It was answered by Chris Mullin (Labour) on Tuesday, 13 June 2000 on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what tests have been undertaken on the level of interference by mobile telephones on the safety of aircraft; what tests are planned on the effect of such telephones on aircraft safety; what guidance his Department has given to airlines about the use of mobile phones and lap top computers on (a) landing and (b) taking-off; and when a system of checking that all such equipment is detected and switched off before aircraft are boarded will be introduced. - Inc ref to 351 c312W, 8 June 2000.

Answer: Mrs. Dunwoody: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what tests have been undertaken on the level of interference by mobile telephones on the safety of aircraft; what tests are planned on the effect of such telephones on aircraft safety; what guidance his Department has given to airlines about the use of mobile phones and lap top computers on (a) landing and (b) taking-off; and when a system of checking that all such equipment is detected and switched off before aircraft are boarded will be introduced. [125669] Mr. Mullin: I refer my hon. Friend to my answer of 8 June 2000, Official Report, column 312W. In addition to the blanket prohibition on the use of mobile phones on aircraft, the Civil Aviation Authority also require lap top computers and similar electronic equipment to be switched off during landing and take-off. The CAA is also promoting the evaluation by the airlines of on-board detection equipment, and if its use proves effective will propose its introduction to the Joint Aviation Authorities.

Secondary information