HC Deb 12 December 1945 vol 417 cc394-5
44. Major Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether provision is made in all transport aircraft for parachutes for all passengers; and whether instruction in their use in an emergency is given before each flight.

Mr. Strachey

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for South-West Norfolk (Mr. Dye), on 5th December.

Major Boyd-Carpenter

Is the Under-secretary aware that this precaution is taken in a number of aircraft of American Air Transport Command?

Mr. Strachey

The practice of civil lines, as the hon. and gallant Member knows, is not to do so. Perhaps I had better give the reply which I gave: We have gone very carefully into the question of carrying parachutes in the trooping aircraft and have reached the decision that they would not provide any safeguard to passengers or crews on these flights. This follows civil aviation practice. To abandon a large aircraft loaded with passengers by parachute calls for repeated drill beforehand. There is much more hope of safety from an emergency landing."—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 5th December, 1945; Vol. 416, c. 2472.]

Air-Commodore Harvey

Is the Under secretary aware that in the event of a collision or forced landing at night, the chances of getting away by a landing are about 100 per cent. against, and will he consider fitting parachutes to these air craft to bring down the accident rate?

Mr. Strachey

We will consider that, but it is the considered view of the Air Staff that the balance of safety is the other way.

Major Boyd-Carpenter

In view of American experience, will the Under-secretary discuss the matter on a technical basis with the American authorities?

Mr. Strachey

Certainly.

Mr. Dye

Will my hon. Friend give consideration to the further communication I have sent to him on this matter?

Mr. Strachey

Yes, Sir.