44. Captain A. EVANSasked the Secretary of State for Air the percentage of fees charged for civilian flying instruction by officially recognised aeroplane classes which are set aside for insurance purposes; and if, in view of the small number of accidents, he will make representations to the insurance companies concerned to reduce their premiums in order that the cost of flying instruction may be lessened?
§ Sir P. SASSOONSo far as I am aware, there is no uniform percentage of fees set aside for the purpose referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend, but the question of insurance is a matter entirely for the light aeroplane clubs themselves and one in. which I should hesitate to interfere. I have no grounds at present for taking action in the direction suggested in the last part of the question.
Captain EVANSIf a large percentage of the fees charged would not go to cover insurance, will the hon. Baronet tell the House why the fees charged for this class of instruction are so very high?
§ Sir P. SASSOONIt is not a matter for the Air Ministry.
Captain EVANSBut, in view of the fact that the Air Ministry supplies a subsidy to clubs of this kind, does that not make it a matter for his Department to have control over the fees charged?
§ Sir P. SASSOONWe cannot control the insurance companies.
51. Captain EVANSasked the Secretary of State for Air the amount of subsidy paid in 1926 and up to the latest available date in 1927 to the London Aeroplane Club; the number of machines available for pupils for instructional and solo flying purposes; the number of instructors and how many pupils are on the waiting list of flying members of the club, and the average length of time they are kept on the waiting list; and if he will make representations to the club authorities with a view to the general conditions and amenities being improved on the lines of the Hampshire Aeroplane Club?
§ Sir P. SASSOONThe answer to the first part of the question is £1,472 10s. for 1926 and £994 15s. for 1927, up to 30th November. As regards the second part, three machines are at present available and another will be available by the end of this week. As regards the third part, there are two paid instructors, but I have no information regarding the number of pupils on the waiting list or the period they are kept on that list. As regards the last part, the question of improving the general conditions and amenities is entirely one for the club management. I must add, in fairness, that the results achieved by this club since its inception do not support, the assumption that it compares unfavourably with any other light aeroplane club.
§ Colonel WOODCOCKCan the hon. Member say whether his right hon. Friend is entirely satisfied with the work of these clubs and the effect of the subsidies paid by the Government?
§ Sir P. SASSOONYes, Sir.