I do not propose to under-estimate the assistance that we have received. But it is better we understand the size of the equipment that we have received in respect of our own requirements. We wanted to raise six new mountain divisions. It will be very interesting to note what will be the cost of raising such a mountain division. I find that the cost of equipment required for raising a new infantry division is estimated at Rs. 25 crores per division, and the combat reserves, equipments and ammunition for a period of three months would amount to Rs. 7.5 crores per division. That means, for six divisions, to raise six divisions with these equipments and reserves, the cost will come to nearly Rs. 200 crores. What we feel is, really speaking.... (interruption). It is a question of simple arithmetic. It is 25 plus 7 multiplied by 6 which comes to nearly Rs. 200 crores. The army equipment and ammunition promised under the Nassau programme amounts to Rs. 30 crores which comes to nearly 15 per cent of the actual cost of the equipments that we need. I am trying to give this information not in any way to under-estimate the assistance that is given. We are very grateful to the prompt and timely help given to us. But it should not be asked, if we do so, if we want to accept these conditions, what will happen if the difficulty comes from another corner. In order to assure the hon. House, I have tried to give this information.
Now, I mentioned about six factories. I do not want this hon. House to go away with an impression that nothing is done on the production front. I must say, the existing units of our defence production are doing an absolutely wonderful work. I am entirely one with Shrimati Renu Chakravartty in giving my heartfelt thanks to the workers in these factories. They have produced nearly from a minimum of 80 cent to a maximum of 100 per cent more in quantitative production. Apart from that, the modernisation of existing units have gone very well, and the most important point that matters is that these units have established the production of 26 new items which our own requirement projected. Admittedly in the course of one year, this development is something very encouraging. Because if we just say that the production side is not doing well, really speaking we are trying to demoralise the people who are working on that front. That is why I am making a mention of this particular aspect.
I would like to come to another point, and that is the point about air accidents. The hon. Member, Shri Kamath, during the course of this debate and even previously had raised the question of appointment of some sort of a Parliamentary Commisison to go into this.
I did give my serious thought to this problem, but I must inform the hon. House that I cannot accept that recommendation or suggestion. I will give the reasons. First of all, I want to let the hon. House know that my idea is not to evade any enquiry. The usual type of enquiry which was held by the Air Force officers is not enough. I have come to the conclusion that some sort of an enquiry by persons not entirely connected with the Air Force should be held. Therefore, I have decided to appoint a committee under the chairmanship of Shri Khera, our Cabinet Secretary, with which will be associated as member, Shri Katju, Director General of Civil Aviation and also Air Vice Marshal Arjan Singh, Vice Chief of Air Staff, there will also be another Member-Secretary. The terms of reference to this Committee will he to examine the existing regulations and arrangements for flying and flying safety, for clearing an aircraft as fit for flying and the standards of training of a pilot in relation to the tasks he is entrusted with; secondly to examine the adequacy of the above regulations and arrangements and their implementation; and thirdly to recommend remedial measures; if any, to minimise accidents.
