HC Deb 15 December 1948 vol 459 cc1190-1
22. Sir Wavell Wakefield

asked the Secretary of State for Air if he will consider the granting of scholarships or other appropriate finacial aid to selected cadets of the Air Training Corps to enable them to qualify for a private pilots licence thereby assisting in the maintenance of flying clubs in the same way that has been carried out so successfully in Canada.

The Under-Secretary of State for Air (Mr. Geoffrey de Freitas)

The question of aid to flying clubs is being examined in the Air Ministry and the Ministry of Civil Aviation. As regards air experience for the A.T.C., we are making great improvements in the gliding organisation and already every first-class cadet over 16 has the chance of learning to glide.

Sir W. Wakefield

Why cannot cadets be given the opportunity to qualify for a pilot's licence in the same way as the opportunity is given to them in Canada, where the scheme has been most successful?

Mr. de Freitas

The Canadian scheme and others are being examined.

Mr. Eden

Is the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster giving instruction in how to glide?

31. Sir W. Wakefield

asked the Secretary of State for Air if he is aware that lack of accommodation is seriously interfering with recruitment and training for the Air Training Corps; and, as this affects the recruitment for the R.A.F., what steps he is taking to improve conditions.

Mr. de Freitas

No, Sir. In nearly all cases the local committees have succeeded in housing their units satisfactorily, and the strength of the corps and the proportion of proficient cadets continue to rise. Where there are accommodation difficulties, my Department does all it can to help the local committees.

Sir W. Wakefield

Is the Minister aware that there is very great dissatisfaction about the inadequate accommodation in various parts of the country? Will he consult the people in his own Department who advise him on these matters? If he does he might get a great deal more information.

Mr. de Freitas

I have consulted them. That is why I have stated that in nearly all cases the local committees have housed their units satisfactorily. If the hon. Member has information of units whose accommodation is unsatisfactory I hope that he will bring the information to my attention.