HC Deb 25 May 1949 vol 465 cc1238-9
16. Mr. Gerald Williams

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation why State-controlled airfields are to increase their landing charges for joy flights by a thousand per cent.

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

No increase is to be made for 1949, but the whole question of landing charges for joy flights will be subject to review at the end of the year.

Mr. Williams

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that there are reports that charges will go up very considerably, and as we want this country to be as air-minded as possible will he do all he can to encourage these joy flights.

Mr. Lindgren

Yes, Sir. So far as my Ministry is concerned, we encourage joy flying from the point of view of creating airmindedness, but as hon. Members who represent constituencies with aerodromes in the vicinity will know, joy flying is not always favourably regarded by local residents.