HC Deb 21 March 1918 vol 104 cc1209-10W
Mr. MORRELL

asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry whether the Government have considered the question of supplying parachutes to officers undergoing instruction in flying, as a means of avoiding some of the many fatal accidents that now occur; whether officers are now allowed in some cases to provide such parachutes at their own expense; whether these have in fact proved effective; and if he can say what is the reason against their being provided by the Government at all aerodromes where flying is taught?

Major BAIRD

No case is known of any officer under instruction providing or wishing to provide himself with a para- chute. Experiments are proceeding, but no parachute suitable for use from an aeroplane has yet been arrived at. The last part of the question therefore does not arise.