§ 5. Mr. Lipsonasked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will consider providing the necessary financial support 940 to make possible a gliding camp for air cadets?
§ Sir S. HoareFor Defence reasons, it has been necessary to impose severe restrictions on all kinds of civil flying in this country, and I regret that I cannot see my way, in present circumstances, to sanction the establishment of a gliding camp for air cadets.
§ Mr. LipsonIs my right hon. Friend aware that there are 20,000 of these young air cadets, in 170 squadrons, and can he not do something to give them greater encouragement?
§ Sir S. HoareI should certainly like to do everything I could to encourage these excellent cadets, but I am afraid that, in war time, the actual suggestion made by my hon. Friend is very difficult to carry out.
§ Lord ApsleyAre there actually any military reasons for stopping gliding?
§ Sir S. HoareI am advised that, for Defence reasons, we cannot manage to do this. As my Noble Friend knows, we are considering the possibility of introducing gliding as a recreation for pilot pupils for the Royal Air Force, and that, we think, is as far as we can go.