§ 40. Colonel DAYasked the Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the evidence given at the inquest held on Flight-Lieutenant Mackenzie Richards, who was killed on Wednesday, 9th November, in Surrey, he can state whether the defect in. the compass carried on the aeroplane used by this pilot was known before the aeroplane left Farnborough, and if there are any records to show when this compass was last examined
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Sir Philip Sassoon)The compass was not known to be defective when the machine left Farnborough; the instrument was last examined on 7th November, when it was reported to be in good condition.
§ Colonel DAYWill the hon. Gentleman say whether these compasses are periodically examined?
§ Sir P. SASSOONYes, certainly.