§ 34. Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKasked the Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the fatal accidents that are of constant occurrence in the Royal Air Force, he will say to how many machines the device known as the slotted wing has been fitted?
§ Sir S. HOAREThe number of machines that have been fitted with the automatic slot to date is 108, and contracts for the fitting of a further 478 machines are in hand. In addition, 40 sets of slot components have been despatched for fitting to aeroplanes overseas and 40 further sets are awaiting shipment. I must add, however, in view of the implication in my hon. Friend's question, that while the automatic slot is a most valuable and promising safety device, it is primarily designed to secure, more effective control of aircraft at low flying speeds, and a large proportion of accidents are due to other causes which it would not serve to obviates.
§ Captain GUNSTONHave there been any accidents to machines fitted with the slotted device?
§ Sir S. HOAREI am afraid there have been one or two accidents.