HC Deb 08 April 1936 vol 310 cc2766-7
43. Marquess of CLYDESDALE

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the rapidly increasing number of professional pilots in Scotland and their growing grievance at having to attend examinations in London, he is prepared to state the minimum number of "B" licence pilots which would be required in Scotland before the appointment of a medical board for Scotland would be considered?

Sir P. SASSOON

There were only three applications from Scotland for initial issue of a "B" licence during the last six months of 1935, and this figure would clearly have to be increased very considerably before a special medical board could be justified. I should prefer not to prescribe a hard and fast minimum.

Marquess of CLYDESDALE

Does my right hon. Friend realise that there are in Scotland some 50 pilots who have "B" licences or are under instruction for obtaining "B" licences, and that this number is steadily increasing; and, in view of the fact that they have a grave grievance in having to travel to London to pass their medical examination, will the Minister reconsider the question of setting up a medical board in Scotland?

Sir P. SASSOON

There is no special board in England; these examinations are carried out by a Royal Air Force central medical board.

Mr. CHURCHILL

If there are 50 of these young men who are practised in aviation and anxious to be examined by a doctor, surely the resources of the Northern Kingdom should be equal to meeting this need?

Sir P. SASSOON

There are technical and flying tests as well.

Captain HAROLD BALFOUR

Pending reconsideration of the matter by the Department, will my right hon. Friend consider giving rebates to these young men in respect of their medical examination, at any rate as regards the travelling expenses to which they are put?

Sir P. SASSOON

indicated assent