37. Captain BALFOURasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air how many collisions between aircraft in the air occurred in the Royal Air Force during 1930; how many personnel were killed or injured from this cause; and what steps are being taken to improve the field of visibility of the pilots on service and civil aircraft?
§ Mr. MONTAGUEAs regards the first two parts of the question, during 1930 there were eight collisions the air between aircraft of the Royal Air Force in which 10 personnel were killed and five were injured; in addition, three collisions occurred which did not involve death or injury. As regards the last part of the question, if the hon. and gallant Member 1803 implies that a restricted field of vision is a predominating cause of collisions, this is not borne out by the facts. At the same time I can assure him that the necessity of securing to the pilot the best possible field of view is always regarded as a most important factor in the design of aircraft.
Captain BALFOURMay I ask whether a definite standard of field of vision is being considered as part of the requirements for the issue of a certificate in the case of civil aircraft?
§ Mr. MONTAGUEWe demand the very highest standard.
Captain BALFOURMay I have an answer to my question? Is it being considered as a definite standard to be attained before a certificate will be granted?
§ Mr. MONTAGUEI did not quite understand the hon. and gallant Member's question. I think the matter depends entirely on the design of the aircraft and the purpose for which it is used.
§ Sir W. BRASSCan the hon. Gentleman say whether parachutes are carried for all the passengers in these machines?
§ Mr. MONTAGUEThe use of parachutes is compulsory in ordinary Air Force training. I do not know whether there are any exceptions to this rule in special cases.
§ Sir W. BRASSI wish to know whether in those instances in which collisions occurred the passengers and the pilots were wearing parachutes compulsorily or not?
§ Mr. MONTAGUEYes, I think the answer is definitely in the affirmative; but perhaps the hon. and gallant Member will put down a question.