§ 16. Colonel DAYasked the Secretary of State for Air the number of fatal accidents that have taken place in the Royal Air Force from 1st January to the last convenient date; whether he can give comparative figures for the year 1926; 183 and, in view of the number of fatalities, will he consider having a public inquiry held into all their causes?
§ Sir S. HOAREAs regards the first two parts of the question, the number of fatal accidents in the Royal Air Force during the period 1st January to 1st November, 1927, was 35; the number during the corresponding period of 1926 was 46. As regards the last part, no useful purpose would be served, I think, by the adoption of the suggestion put forward by the hon. Member, who will no doubt remember that a very full statement on this subject was made in the House by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 10th March last.
§ Colonel DAYIs the right hon. Baronet satisfied that all the machines used by his pilots are thoroughly up to date, and not of the old-fashioned kind?
§ Sir S. HOAREYes, Sir, generally I am satisfied. The greatest precaution is taken in inspection. Naturally, that is a question which we constantly have in mind, and I am satisfied upon it.
§ Captain GARRO-JONESHave any steps been taken for the introduction of the new slotted wing device in the machines of the Air Force?
§ Sir S. HOAREYes, Sir. I myself am going to make a trial of it next week.