§ 18. Captain GARRO-JONESasked the First Lord of the Admiralty what percentage of machines or pilots of the Naval Air Arm is fitted with parachutes; and how this compares with the corresponding figure for the Royal Air Force?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Sir Philip Sassoon)I have been asked to reply. Machines of the Fleet Air Arm and other seagoing aircraft have not yet been supplied with with parachutes owing to the danger of the wearer becoming entangled in his harness if the machine falls into the sea. Research and experiment with a view to the design of a satisfactory quick release gear have been proceeding continuously, and though certain difficulties remain to be solved, it is hoped these may be overcome in the early future. Is regards the rest of the Royal Air Force, a parachute is now provided for every seat in every first-line machine capable of taking it.
§ Captain GARRO-JONESIs not the question of quick release just as important in the case of land machines, and why, then, is that put forward as a reason for not fitting parachutes in the Fleet Air Arm?
§ Sir P. SASSOONNo it is not nearly so important, because you cannot get drowned on land.
§ Captain GARRO-JONESDoes not the possibility of fire make it vitally important that machines should have a contrivance for quick release?
§ Sir P. SASSOONNot so important.