Written question asked by Lord Bannside (Democratic Unionist Party) on Wednesday, 27 October 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 November 2004. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Monday, 15 November 2004 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment the Department has made of the safety record of parachutes used at Skydive Ranch in Canada; and whether Skydive Ranch complies with all the Department's requirements for (a) safety and (b) instructor training levels.

Answer: Rev. Ian Paisley: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment the Department has made of the safety record of parachutes used at Skydive Ranch in Canada; and whether Skydive Ranch complies with all the Department's requirements for (a) safety and (b) instructor training levels. [194998] Mr. Ingram: The Skydive Ranch in Canada is subject to an annual no-notice safety audit by the Ministry of Defence Joint Service Parachute Centre (JSPC) during which a thorough check of equipment and procedures is undertaken. During the inspection, an advanced instructor/examiner from the British Parachute Association assesses instructor performance and teaching ability at the Skydive Ranch. The Ministry of Defence is satisfied that the Skydive Ranch is operating safely, and the risks to British military personnel are as low as reasonably practical.

Secondary information