MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS ON AEROPLANES

Early day motion 2842, tabled 7 March 2012 by Kelvin Hopkins (Labour). Signed by 32 members.

That this House acknowledges that musicians regularly experience problems taking their instruments on planes due to inconsistent policies between airports and airline staff and airlines charging extortionate fees; notes that this can mean the difference between a musician making or losing money from travelling to an engagement; further notes that federal legislation passed by the US in February 2012 allows any musical instrument that can be stored safely in the overhead compartment or underneath the seat to be brought on board as carry-on luggage; further notes that the US legislation permits musicians to purchase a seat for oversized instruments, such as cellos, that are too delicate to be checked into the hold; and supports the campaign of the Musicians' Union to introduce similar legislation in the UK to ensure consistency on this issue.

Signatures by party: Labour 23, Liberal Democrat 4, Conservative 1, Independent 1, Plaid Cymru 1, Scottish National Party 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.