HC Deb 28 May 1952 vol 501 cc160-1W
65. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he will make a statement on jet aircraft accidents in the Royal Air Force.

Mr. Ward

During the first four months of this year, there were eight more fatal jet accidents than in the first four months of 1951. I should like to emphasise, however, that the amount of flying by jet aircraft is now almost twice as great as during the corresponding period of last year, and that the fatal jet accident rate during the last four months has been substantially lower than that for the comparable period last year. In fact, the rate has been steadily falling ever since 1947, and there is no doubt that the jet aircraft at present in service with the Royal Air Force are safer to fly than comparable piston-engined types. It is, however, the constant aim of my noble Friend and his Service advisers to improve still further the safety of jet aircraft, in common with all other types.