§ 32. Captain HAROLD BALFOURasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air how many lives have been saved during 1929 and 1930 by the use of parachutes in emergencies; and if all pilots of the Royal Air Force Reserve undergoing training at civil schools are bound by regulation to wear parachutes?
§ 35. Major BEAUMONT THOMASasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether Reserve Air Force pilots are equipped with parachutes while carrying out their annual training?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Mr. Montague)The number of forced parachute descents by occupants of Royal Air Force aircraft was 18 in 1929 and 22 in 1930. Parachutes for the use of Royal Air Force Reserve pilots are in course of issue to the civil schools which carry out reserve training; all pilots for whom parachutes are available are required to wear them while flying.
§ Captain BALFOURWhen is it anticipated that the issue of civilian pilots will be completed?
§ Mr. MONTAGUEThe issues are in progress, and it is anticipated that they will be complete in August.
§ Major THOMASWill the hon. Gentleman take steps to see that no Reserve pilots are permitted to carry out their training in the air unless they are equipped with parachutes; and can he say whether Lieutenant O'Brien, who was killed on the 8th June while carrying out training was so equipped?
§ Mr. MONTAGUEThe answer to the first part of the supplementary question is indicated in my reply. I must have notice of the second part of the question.