§ Mr. Wiggasked the Secretary of State for Air how many parachutes carrying stores and equipment were dropped in the Port Said area; what was the number that failed to open; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. SoamesOver 600 parachutes carrying stores were dropped by Royal Air Force aircraft. Accurate observation of each parachute was not possible in the circumstances but only two trailers are reported to have suffered damage on landing.
§ Mr. Wiggasked the Secretary of State for Air why arrangements were not made during recent operations for parachutes to be repacked at either Malta or Cyprus, thus eliminating the necessity for returning them to the United Kingdom after use.
§ Mr. SoamesOnly repacking facilities for training are available in Cyprus. For planning purposes parachutes used in operations are deemed to be expendable.