HC Deb 27 February 1946 vol 419 cc1908-9
35. Wing-Commander Hulbert

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation if he will now state what facilities and financial assistance are going to be provided for the re-establishment of light aerodrome clubs.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation (Mr. Ivor Thomas)

The Government have decided to make available to members of the General Council of Associated Light Aeroplane clubs 100 light aircraft, consisting of Tiger Moths, Austers and Magisters at a nominal price of£50 an aircraft. This will be a substantial help to the flying clubs in re-establishing themselves, and no direct financial assistance is proposed.

Wing-Commander Hulbert

Might I ask the hon. Gentleman in the first place whether the aircraft he has enumerated are in a serviceable condition today, and, secondly, are there ample spares available?

Mr. Thomas

I cannot give a guarantee that they are in a serviceable condition, and they will certainly need a certain amount of repair, but I can assure the hon. and gallant Gentleman that supplies of spares are available.

Sir Wavell Wakefield

Can the Parliamentary Secretary state whether assist- ance will be given to gliding and gliding clubs as well as light aeroplane clubs?

Mr. Thomas

No, Sir. The aircraft for club flying are of the types I have indicated. We certainly want to encourage gliding too.

Captain Sir Peter Macdonald

Will the hon. Gentleman see that petrol is also supplied to these clubs, otherwise the aeroplanes will not be able to fly?

Mr. Thomas

That is a point which should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Fuel and Power.

Wing-Commander Hulbert

Will the hon. Gentleman agree that the supply of 100 unserviceable aircraft is very little encouragement to promote private flying in this country?

Mr. Thomas

I have not said the aircraft are unserviceable and I think they are a substantial measure of help. The price of these aircraft new is about£1,250 each.

Flight-Lieutenant Beswick

Can we take it from what the hon. Gentleman says that there will be some sort of assistance for gliding clubs others than by the provision of cheap machines?

Mr. Thomas

I should be. willing to consider that, but I would like the question put down on the Paper.