44. Captain MACDONALD (for Captain BALFOUR)asked the Under-Secre- 452 tary of State for Air if parachutes are yet adapted for use on and compulsory equpiment for pilots and crews of seagoing aircraft and flying boats?
§ Mr. MONTAGUENo, Sir, not as yet. A good deal of difficulty has been experienced in devising a form of quick release gear which will enable the wearer to free himself from the parachute harness if he falls in the water and which complies with the other special requirements for sea-going aircraft. A new form of such gear is under trial at present and I am hopeful that it will prove satisfactory.