HC Deb 26 November 1930 vol 245 cc1308-9
54 and 55. Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGE

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air (1) how many deaths have occurred in the Royal Air Force from flying accidents this year; and how many deaths occurred in flying machines not fitted with safety-slot devices during this year;

(2) to what he attributes the large number of deaths in the Royal Air Force during the current year; what is the reason of the increase on previous years; what steps are being taken for safety devices; and whether, in cases where fatal accidents have occurred, the occupants have had parachutes?

Mr. MONTAGUE

The number of deaths clue to flying accidents in the Royal Air Force this year is 62. This is, I regret to say, an increase over last year's figure, but is practically the average for the same period in the five preceding years, when much less flying was done. The important point in considering this question is the proportion of fatal accidents to the amount of flying done. For the period January to October, 1930, this proportion, although not so low as in 1929, is considerably lower than for any of the years from 1921 onwards. A downward movement has thus been maintained, though not at a uniform rate. Of the 62 persons killed this year, 35 were in aircraft not fitted with slots or with slots not in operation, while 54 were supplied with parachutes. As regards safety devices, constant attention is given to the whole subject of the best means of improving the safety of flying, and to the development of any devices that will do this. As a result, there has been a progressive increase in the safety of flying in the Royal Air Force.

Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGE

Could not the hon. Gentleman cut down the number of flying deaths which have occurred owing to the flying machines not being fitted with safety slots?

Mr. MONTAGUE

I am afraid it is necessary for some amount of flying practice to be undertaken in machines not fitted with slots.

Mr. MACQUISTEN

Were there any accidents to machines fitted with slots?

Mr. MONTAGUE

There are accidents in machines with slots, but not because of the dots by any means.