§ 64. Sir Gifford Foxasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware of the public concern over the increasing number of fatalities in the Royal Air Force; and whether he can make any statement on the subject?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadI am aware of and fully sympathise with the public concern at the increased number of fatal accidents in the Royal Air Force. It must, I fear, be recognised that the very great increase in the size of the Force inevitably tends to be accompanied by an 1883 increase in the number of accidents. My hon. Friend will, I hope, accept my assurances that the subject is one which receives unremitting attention from the Air Ministry and throughout the Royal Air Force.
§ Sir G. FoxIs any action taken against Royal Air Force pilots for taking unnecessary risks?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadI have not any figures on the matter, but disciplinary action is taken where considered necessary.
§ Sir Hugh SeelyWould the Minister consider publishing the number of flying hours?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadNo, I do not think, in the public interest, that I could do that.
§ Mr. Grant-FerrisIs it not a fact that the proportion of accidents is less than before expansion took place?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadI would not like to answer that question off-hand, but there is no reason to believe that the proportion has increased.
§ Mr. Garro JonesIs the Minister not aware that the French Government publish the number of hours flown by their pilots, and why is it not in the public interest in this country to publish similar information?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadI do not think we need always follow the example of other countries.
§ Mr. Garro Jonesrose——
§ Mr. SpeakerWe have already dealt with this question.
§ 66. Sir Thomas Cookasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he has any statement to make concerning the accident to a bomber which took place at Oulton, Norfolk, on Friday, 11th February, resulting in the death of three members of the Royal Air Force?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadA full official investigation of the circumstances of this accident is taking place, and it would not be appropriate for me to make any statement at present. I am sure that the House will wish me to express their condolence with the relatives of the personnel involved.
§ 67. Sir G. Foxasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether his attention has been called to the disclosures at the inquest on a fatal accident to a Royal Air Force pilot at Enfield, as also to the verdict of the jury that unnecessary risk was a contributory factor to the accident; whether the Department exercises control over fancy-flying of the kind in question; and whether he will investigate the circumstances of this accident for the information of the House?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadI have seen the statements which have appeared in the Press in regard to this accident, which occurred near North Weald on 11th February, 1938. In accordance with normal procedure a court of inquiry is being held and it would not, therefore, be appropriate for me to make any statement at present. I am sure that the House will wish me to express their condolence with the relatives of the officer who was killed.