HC Deb 13 July 1931 vol 255 cc22-3
43. Captain HAROLD BALFOUR

asked the Secretary of State for War if any alterations have been made for this year in respect of the regulations in force during the past few years allowing public school cadets taking part in the Officers Training Corps summer training camps to fly in aircraft of the Royal Air Force; and, if so, for what reasons?

The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. T. Shaw)

Yes, Sir. Flying has no relation to, nor part in, the training of the Officers Training Corps, and experience has shown that the practice in the past, of granting special facilities for casual flights on the part of cadets, during their summer camps, is deprecated by many of the parents. The majority of parents undoubtedly prefer that these flights should not be associated with training in the Junior Officers Training Corps, and, after full consideration, it has been decided that this practice shall be discontinued.

Captain BALFOUR

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that training in aviation constitutes a part of the training of a cadet in the Officers Training Corps; and is the right hon. Gentleman also aware that this is probably the greatest attraction of these camps?

Mr. SHAW

I am not aware of that and have stated quite precisely and clearly in the answer that the contrary is the case.

Sir SAMUEL HOARE

Has the right hon. Gentleman received any opinions from the headmasters of the schools concerned on the subject; and is he aware that no boy was allowed to fly without the explicit permission of parents; and does he not see that that disposes entirely of the answer which he has given to my hon. and gallant Friend?

Mr. SHAW

If I accepted the right hon. Gentleman's statement, it would dispose of my answer, but I am not aware of the facts being as he has stated. The action taken has been taken on the expert advice of men who know the subject infinitely better than I do, but I am willing to inquire into any point raised, if it is possible that a mistake has been made.

Sir S. HOARE

Will the right hon. Gentleman particularly make inquiries from headmasters?