FLYING CLUBS (INDIAN MEMBERS). (Hansard, 22 February 1939)

§ 16. Mr. Gallacher
asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that Indian subjects are being made the victims of a colour bar at a number of flying clubs in this country; and whether he will take steps to see that no discrimination shall be made at any of these clubs on colour grounds against persons otherwise entitled to use them?

§ The Under-Secretary of State for Air (Captain Harold Balfour)
The question of membership of flying clubs is a matter for the clubs themselves, but I understand that a number of flying clubs in this country have Indian members.

§ Mr. Gallacher
Can the Minister use his influence to get these flying clubs to put an end to this discrimination and allow pilots coming from India to become members?

§ Captain Balfour
The arrangement between the Ministry and these clubs is governed by an agreement which does not expire until March, 1942, and in that agreement there is no discrimination against Indians, but they must conform to the same conditions as other members. They must be British subjects and normally resident in this country. It may be that some Indians have been refused admission to the clubs probably because they do not conform to the condition of being normally resident in this country.

§ Mr. T. Williams
In view of the fact that the Government subsidise these private flying clubs, will not the hon. and gallant Gentleman use his influence, if he finds that discrimination is taking place, to persuade them to stop it?

§ Captain Balfour
If any hon. Member has any particular case in mind and brings it to my notice, I will take it up.

§ Mr. H. G. Williams
Can the hon. and gallant Member say whether it is true that non-combatants are allowed to join the Moscow flying club?

§ Mr. Benn
In view of the great interest taken in this matter, cannot the Undersecretary take a rather wider view and make it understood that we do not wish Indians to be excluded on the ground that they are Indians?

§ Captain Balfour
I have already said that if hon. Members have any particular cases in mind I will look into them. The right hon. Gentleman has put a question which is entirely different from that on the Order Paper. If he will put it down I will answer it.