Mr Ruffley has finally received a promise from the Government that changes will be made to the requirements on aircrafts to carry on board more extensive Emergency Medical Kits.

After much harassing of the Transport Minister, Mr Tony McNulty, David Ruffley has now received a firm assurance that plans are being put in place to require all commercial aircraft to carry additional medical equipment.

Mr Ruffley has taken up this campaign on behalf of his constituent, Mrs Tingle whose husband sadly died after suffering a heart attack on a flight from Athens that had little, or no, medical equipment on board.

Extract from the Minister's letter to Mr Ruffley:

'The recommended additions to the kit are: Automated External Defibrillators; an intubation set (equipment to intubate a passenger who has stopped breathing); intra-venous fluids; and blood glucose testing equipment.'

Mr Ruffley said:

'IF THIS HAD BEEN DONE EARLIER, MY CONSTITUENT MR TINGLE MAY STILL BE ALIVE TODAY.'

'I am glad that progress is finally being made on this issue after several years of Government inaction. Much of this equipment, in particular Defibrillators, is real life saving equipment. There have been many calls for changes to be made bit it seems finally the Government have accepted this, and after much hard pressing, and are now putting their words into actions.'