§ Mr. Hulbertasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will consider ceasing to publish details of fatal Royal Air Force accidents, in view of the fact that other countries do not publish similar information and also that such publication is likely to give foreigners an erroneous impression in regard to the efficiency of the Royal Air Force?
§ Earl WintertonI appreciate the motives of my hon. Friend's suggestion but I do not think that it would be practicable to adopt it. The particulars of fatal accidents published by the Air Ministry are restricted to the names and ranks of the personnel and to the number and location of the unit concerned. The discontinuance of the publication of these1152W facts would, I fear, inevitably lead to the appearance of inaccurate information and reports. It is, I think, open to doubt whether the practice of non-disclosure in this matter which is followed by the Air Forces of some other countries is successful in maintaining a belief that they are more efficient or more immune from accidents.
§ Mr. Dayasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will give the number of fatal accidents in the Royal Air Force for the 12 months ended to the last convenient date?
§ Earl WintertonA total of 108 fatal flying accidents occurred during the 12 months ended 8th April, 1938.