1. Air Commodore Harveyasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air why the accident rate per flying hour in the Royal Air Force compares unfavourably with that of the United States Air Force.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Air (Mr. George Ward)It would be contrary to the public interest to publish statistics of the accident rate per flying hour in the Royal Air Force. I can, however, assure my hon. and gallant Friend that there is no significant difference between the accident rates for aircraft performing comparable duties under similar flying conditions in the two air forces.
It is the constant aim of my noble Friend to improve aircraft safety, and there is the closest consultation on questions of safety and accident prevention between the Royal Air Force and the commanders of the Royal Canadian Air Force and United States Air Force squadrons operating in this country.
Air Commodore HarveyBut is my hon. Friend aware that there is real concern in the country at the increasing rate of accidents in the R.A.F. this year; and how is it that the United States Air Force is able to publish hours flown and the ratio of accidents? Are they publishing secrets or not? If not, cannot we do the same?
§ Mr. WardThis is a matter on which individual Governments can surely be allowed to make up their own minds. I do not think that we are necessarily bound to follow the example even of our closest friends. As regards our own accident rate, I have given repeated assurances lately that our accident rate is falling.
§ Mr. A. HendersonWill the Minister refute the suggestion contained in the Question that the accident rate in the Royal Air Force compares unfavourably with that of the United States Air Force?