HC Deb 18 May 1927 vol 206 cc1173-4
25. Colonel DAY

asked the Secretary of State for Air if he has now received a reply from the Italian firm interested in the Freri parachute with regard to carrying out further experiment; if he has received any further reports of the investigations that have been carried out by his Department with regard to special features of the design of these parachutes; and, if so, whether he will say if the reports are satisfactory?

Sir S. HOARE

I am not yet in a position to add to my reply to the hen. Member on the 27th April.

Colonel DAY

Is it not a fact that this particular parachute has never failed in any of its trials?

Sir S. HOARE

We have not completed the investigations and I would not like to give an opinion until we have completed them.

Colonel DAY

Is the right hon. Gentleman studying expense in the installing of these parachutes, and not taking into consideration human life?

Sir S. HOARE

No, Sir. In connection with the question of parachutes, the safety of human life is the paramount consideration.