HC Deb 28 January 1953 vol 510 c979
3. Mr. Hale

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the numbers of instances of loss of life and of serious injury, respectively, caused to pilots and passengers in the Royal Air Force for the years ending 31st December, 1950, 1951 and 1952, respectively.

Mr. Ward

As the answer contains a number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Hale

But there are only three man figures. Can the hon. Gentleman just indicate whether it is true, as it seems from the papers, that the loss of life is steadily increasing?

— Year ending 31st December, 1950 Year ending 31st December, 1951 Year ending 31st December, 1952
(a) Killed†
Pilots‡ — 135 188 229
Other aircrew — 63 65 71
R.A.F. passengers§ — 25 24 16
Other passengers — 18 14 5
241 291 321*
(b) Seriously injured
Pilots‡ — 23 58 35
Other aircrew — 10 30 24
R.A.F. passengers§ — 13 18 8
Other passengers — 6 7 4
52 113 71
NOTES:
* It should be noted that the total flying effort of the Royal Air Force was nearly twice as great in 1952 as in 1950.
† Includes those who died of their injuries within 30 days of the accident.
‡ Includes both first and second pilots, and both pupil and instructor on dual-control trainer aircraft.
§ Includes all R.A.F. occupants of the aircraft other than those actually engaged in its operation.