§ 4. Colonel J, R. H. Hutchisonasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation whether he is now prepared to supply parachutes to passengers on civil air lines.
Mr. Ivor ThomasNo, Sir. The safety of passengers is a paramount consideration with all those responsible for the operation of air services and engages the constant attention of my Noble Friend. The advisability of supplying parachutes has been exhaustively reviewed, and as a result it has been decided that the disadvantages outweigh the advantages.
§ Colonel HutchisonIs the Minister aware that in an accident which occurred near Gibraltar, of nine passengers, seven were saved by the use of parachutes?
Mr. ThomasI do not know the circumstances, but I do not think that they were such as to come under the control of my Noble Friend. It does not follow that these passengers would not have been saved by other measures.
§ Colonel RopnerCan the Parliamentary Secretary say what are the disadvantages of parachutes?
Mr. ThomasThe use of parachutes would require passengers to undergo parachute drill, and we do not think that 1843 it would be practical to ask passengers to undergo such drill. There are also pyschological disadvantages.