HC Deb 20 March 1946 vol 420 cc1845-6
11. Mr. Goronwy Roberts

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation if he is aware of the anxiety felt by cadets serving on training ship H.M.S. "Conway," and other similar ships, concerning the delay in announcing arrangements for such cadets to take courses which will fit them for careers in civil aviation; and if he is now in a position to make a statement on the subject.

Mr. Ivor Thomas

As the reply is rather long I will, with permission, circulate it in the Official Report.

Following is the reply:

My Noble Friend was consulted some months ago by the authorities of H.M.S. "Conway" schoolship regarding a proposal to revive a prewar air training scheme to fit their cadets for entry into civil aviation as pilots, air navigators, etc. My Noble Friend informed the schoolship authorities that he saw no reason why such a scheme should not be re-instituted but it was expected that for some time to come the British Overseas Airways Corporation and the proposed new Corporations would be able to recruit almost all necessary staffs from men coming out of the Royal Air Force and the Fleet Air Arm. My Noble Friend added that if the authorities of H.M.S. "Conway" decided to reinstitute their scheme he would be very willing, if they so desired, to arrange a meeting at which the schemes of training could be discussed with representatives of his Ministry, the Corporations, the Air Registration Board and the training authorities of the Service Departments. A reply to this suggestion has not so far been received.

My Noble Friend has not been approached by any other similar ships or institutions regarding this subject.