Carrying one of the laser pointers popular with conference presenters and trainers could be a criminal act in future.

Because lasers shone into the cockpits of aircraft constitute a pilot hazard when landing the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) wants to make the carrying of a laser illegal, pointing out that there were four attacks a day with lasers in Britain last year.

It is not clear whether laser pointers would be strong enough to blind a pilot, but eye damage of animals and children has been reported as a result of their irresponsible use. A laser beam hitting a mirror also constitutes a danger when reflected.