§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAasked the Under-Secretary of State for India if he can now state why live bombs were used instead of dummies in the bombing practice which resulted in loss of life near Peshawar; and whether, seeing that there is risk in the use of live bombs, he will take steps to ensure that only dummies are used in bombing practice in future?
§ Earl WINTERTONUntil the investigations that are still proceeding are completed, I would prefer not to comment on any particular aspect of the Peshawar accident that may have to be reviewed in connection with them. I understand, however, that in using live instead of dummy bombs the authorities were following the general practice of the Royal Air Force, which is based on the necessity of accustoming the personnel to the handling of live bombs.