A CRACKDOWN on loutish behaviour on planes has been demanded by Pendle MP Gordon Prentice.

The MP quizzed Transport Minister Glenda Jackson on the growing problem of air rage and heard that in 1997 there were 88 incidents of disruptive behaviour by passengers which had actual or potential safety implications.

More than a quarter involved physical violence or the need for the crew to restrain a passenger.

Said Mr Prentice: "Louts who make flying a misery for their fellow passengers should be banned from flying for life.

"An endorsement on their passport would do the trick for international flights.

"They are a complete menace."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.