HC Deb 05 September 1940 vol 365 cc14-5
24. Mr. Lawson

asked the Secretary of State for Air what is the real meaning of the regular official announcement to the effect that when a British plane is lost the pilot was saved; and whether this statement includes the rest of the occupants of any machine concerned?

Mr. Boulton (Lord of the Treasury)

I have been asked to reply. Reference in an official statement to the pilot of an aircraft being saved normally implies that the aircraft was a single-seater fighter. With other types of aircraft, reference is made, when appropriate, to members of the crew.

Mr. Lawson

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in actual fact there is not any reference made to other members of the crew? At least I personally have not seen it. The only reference is to the pilot.