§ 33. Mr. BILLINGasked the Undersecretary of State for War whether firms who deliver aeroplanes without having carried out the initial test flights are called upon to make any payment to the War Office for such relief; and, if so, what is the amount of such payment, who receives the sum, and who is responsible for taking the additional risk of putting these machines through their initial flight tests?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the AIR BOARD (Major Baird)Departures from the contract conditions governing delivery by manufacturers are met by corresponding abatements on contract prices. Machines which have been delivered prior to the carrying out of their test flights are put through their tests by service pilots at the acceptance aerodrome. Owing to the thoroughness of inspection during manufacture it is not considered that any special risk is involved.
§ Mr. BILLINGIs the hon. Gentleman aware that an exceptionally high price is charged by all private pilots to put these machines through their tests—it is about £10 a machine, which means a payment of 1303 about £10 an hour for this big risk—and is he aware that the Government at the present time are saving that £10 by taking it out of the manufacturer and subjecting the pilot to taking these risks without any additional compensation or insurance?
§ Major BAIRDAll I can say is that no casualties have resulted.
§ Mr. BILLINGIn the event of casualties resulting, do you propose to take any action?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is a hypothetical question.