HC Deb 15 December 1948 vol 459 cc1196-7
32. Sir W. Wakefield

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation if, in order to implement his undertaking to do what he can for flying clubs, he will institute a scheme similar to that operated in Canada whereby financial aid is given to enable promising cadets of the Air Training Corps to receive flying instruction to enable them to qualify for a private pilot's licence.

34. Mr. Turton

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation whether he is yet in a position to announce measures of assistance towards British gliding clubs.

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

The question of financial assistance to flying and gliding clubs and other private flying agencies is to be reviewed by an inter-departmental working party which has been set up by agreement with the Ministers of the Service Departments and the Minister of Supply.

Sir W. Wakefield

Will the Minister draw the attention of the working party to the very successful action that has been taken in Canada to help flying clubs, with a view to getting as much information as possible to see what can be done about flying clubs in this country?

Mr. Lindgren

Yes, Sir. In addition, our attention has been called to the matter by the Air League of the British Empire.

Mr. Turton

Will the Minister ask the working party to make a report before the next gliding season starts in the Spring?

Mr. Lindgren

That is our intention. but I would not like to give a promise that it will be realised.

Air-Commodore Harvey

Does the Minister realise that there was a committee dealing with this subject nearly two years ago? Will not the Government make up their minds what they intend to do about it. before the clubs go broke?

Mr. Lindgren

Yes, Sir, but it is a question of the financial implications. On the last occasion we were not able to convince the Treasury. On this occasion I hope that we shall be able to do so.

Captain Crookshank

Will the Minister say what the difference is between an inter-departmental working party and the more usual form of investigation by an inter-departmental committee?

Mr. Lindgren

That is a technical matter which it would take too long to explain.