§ Mr. Wilkinsonasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will state the comparative weights and costs of the new and old reserve parachutes for use by airborne forces personnel.
§ Mr. PattieThe new PR 7 Mk 1 reserve parachute weighs 17½ pounds compared with 14 pounds for the reserve type X mk 2 parachute but is more advanced in that it has a deployment assisting spring, an inflated apex ring and other improvements. It is not the practice to give costs for individual items supplied under contract, but my hon. Friend may be assured that the new parachute represents excellent value for money.