§ Mr. VIANTasked the Secretary of State for Air if the particular parachute which failed to open and save the life of Corporal Wilson had been previously tested, and, if so, by what method; if the parachute has been examined since the tragedy; and if any facts have emerged to prove whether the airman did or did not at any time pull the cord?
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§ Sir S. HOAREAs regards the first part of the question, the parachute referred to had been tested by being twice dropped, with a weight attached, from am aeroplane. It had also been used for 12 practice parachute jumps prior to the accident. As regards the second and third parts, the examination of the parachute, which took place immediately after the accident, showed that the late Corporal Wilson had failed to pull either the main or the emergency ripcord, and that the parachute was in perfect working order.