68. Mr. MALONEasked the Secretary of State for Air if he will state the numbers of fatal accidents to pilots and passengers in the Royal Air Force during the six months ending 30th June, 1923, and the corresponding figures for the six months ending 30th June, 1927?
§ Sir P. SASSOONThere were 16 fatal accidents in the Royal Air Force involving the deaths of 14 pilots and 10 passengers during the six months ending 30th June, 1923, and 20 fatal accidents involving the deaths of 20 pilots and 11 passengers during the corresponding period of 1927. I should add, however, that the number of squadrons in 1923 was little more than half that in 1927 and a very much larger amount of flying was in consequence carried out in the latter year.
§ Sir P. SASSOONI could not discuss that matter by question and answer.