§ Sir F. SYKESasked the Secretary of State for Air whether he can furnish information to account for the rise from an annual average of 17 in the period 1st January, 1920, to 31st March, 1924, to a total of 71 in the year ending 31st March, 1925, in flying accidents attributable to causes other than engine or installation failure, error of judgments, or defect in aircraft design, construction, or maintenance?
1090W
§ Sir S. HOAREIn a comparison of the figures for the periods 1st January, 1920, to 31st March, 1924, and 1st April, 1924, to 31st May (not March), 1925, regard must be had to the increasing amount of flying carried out in each period, and the fact that the Air Force is in process of being trebled in size as compared with its strength three years ago. If this is allowed for, further analysis of the figures referred to in the question show no marked increase in the later period in the number of accidents due to any other cause than weather. The proportionate increase in this type of accident is probably accounted for by an increased tendency to fly under less favourable weather conditions, but the field of comparison is too small to justify any very definite conclusion.