§ 58. Mr. Proctorasked the Secretary of State for War how many accidents have taken place in the last three years in connection with the movement of troops by private charter companies; and the age and type of aeroplane used in each case.
§ Mr. F. MacleanSix, but only one accident led to loss of life. The aircraft involved were a Hermes three years old, two Yorks five years old, two Yorks seven years old and one York eight years old.
§ 59. Mr. Proctorasked the Secretary of State for War what steps he takes to satisfy himself that the aircraft used by the private charter companies for troop movements are suitable and safe for the work allocated to them.
§ Mr. F. MacleanCivil aircraft used on troop movements have Certificates of Airworthiness and operate in accordance with the Air Navigation Order and Regulations. The War Office, naturally, acts in close association with the Admiralty and Air Ministry to ensure that the aircraft are suitable for each particular task, and the operating arrangements are examined and agreed by the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation.
§ 63. Lieut.-Colonel Bromley-Davenportasked the Secretary of State for War, in view of the risks involved, what steps 144W he is taking to accelerate the date by which it will be possible to avoid the use of obsolete aeroplanes for the transport of troops.
§ Mr. F. MacleanThe total of some 400,000 passengers who have travelled safely in this way over the past three years does not bear out my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion that the planes used for air trooping involve special risks. Consideration is, however, always given to the use of more modern types of aircraft for this work as they become available. I cannot accept the description of the existing aircraft as obsolete and would much regret any needless anxiety being caused to those who travel in them.