86. Major Hillsasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he will take steps to remove the dissatisfaction which now exists about the distribution of the subsidy for gliding since the distribution is in the hands of the British Gliding Association, which consists mainly of the larger and more wealthy clubs, and consequently the smaller and less wealthy ones are deprived of subsidy; and whether he is aware that the Federation of British Gliding Clubs has passed a resolution to the above effect and that if the present system of distribution is maintained many of the smaller clubs will have to close down?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Air (Sir Philip Sassoon)I am not aware that there is any general dissatisfaction about the distribution of the subsidy for gliding. My Noble Friend is not aware of any reason that would justify a departure from the present policy of entrusting the distribution of the subsidy to the British Gliding Association under the supervision of a board of trustees.
§ Mr. MontagueCan the right hon. Gentleman say on what principle or system the subsidy is distributed?