§ L. Smithasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what was the number of fatal accidents which have occurred since the beginning of the year to officers of the Royal Air Force while on duty; in how many of these cases a pension has been awarded or a grant made to dependent relatives, and the average amount per annum awarded both in the case of pensions and grants; and whether he is satisfied that no hardship has been caused to dependants?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadAs regards the first part of the question, the number of fatal accidents from the beginning of the year to 14th October, was 53, of which seven were to officers of the Royal Navy attached to the Royal Air Force for service with the Fleet Air Arm. The awards to the dependants of these officers have been included in the information which follows. As regards the second part, four pensions have been awarded to widows, with children's compassionate allowances in two cases, and one grant made to the parent of an unmarried officer. In addition three claims for pensions to widows and three applications for awards to parents are under consideration. As regards the third part, the average rate of pension was £107 per annum; the average gratuity payable in addition to pension £212; the children's compassionate allowance is a fixed rate of £24 per annum and the parent's award was £45 per annum. As regards the last part of the question, I cannot say that in no case has financial 51W loss been caused to the dependants, but the awards have naturally minimised the possibility of hardship.