§ 21. Mr. Martenasked the Secretary of State for War what steps he proposes to take to ensure that parachutists on training exercises are not exposed to unnecessary hazards during descent by the choice of unsuitable dropping zones.
§ Mr. ProfumoConsiderable precautions are taken to ensure the safety of parachutists on training exercises. I am sure that these precautions are generally adequate, and I do not believe any changes are required.
§ Mr. MartenWhile we all recognise that parachutists will take any risk when asked to do so, may I ask my right hon. Friend to look into the case of the night drop at Thetford the other night, when, apparently, they drifted across the main line when the Norwich to Cambridge express was coming along? Perhaps my right hon. Friend will hold an inquiry to see whether all precautions were taken in that case.
§ Mr. ProfumoI will certainly give my hon. Friend that undertaking.