58. Mr. Aclandasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is satisfied with the regulations whereby pilots of Royal Air Force machines wear parachutes strapped to their backs, but the gunners, telegraphists, and observers 2203 wear the harness only and, in case of emergency, must first attach the parachute to the harness; whether lives have been lost which might have been saved if gunners and telegraphists and observers had been as well equipped as the pilots; and whether he will consider any alteration in the regulations?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadAs regards the first part of the question, paragraph 781 of King's Regulations and Air Council Instructions recognises the necessity of permitting the packs of parachutes to be temporarily detached from the harness so as to allow of the efficient execution of certain duties. As regards the second part, I am advised that during the past 12 months the loss of one life might possibly have been avoided if the parachute pack had not been detached for this authorised purpose. As regards the last part, the regulations are dictated by practical service requirements, and I do not consider that they should be altered.