13. Air-Commodore Harveyasked the Secretary of State for Air to what extent the De Havilland Moth aircraft is used for training purposes in the Royal Air Force: and what numbers are involved.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Air (Mr. Crawley)Moth aircraft are used for training at the majority of the reserve flying schools and university air squadrons, the present number in use being 341. In addition, 21 are used by the Rhodesian Air Training Group and eight for training instructors in the Regular Air Force.
Air-Commodore HarveyDoes the hon. Gentleman recall that the Minister of Supply recently stated that in the last 12 months 239 Moth aircraft were broken up for spare parts? Does he not think they could be put to better use by allowing them to be handed over to flying clubs?
§ Mr. CrawleyThere are some Moth aircraft available for flying clubs if they like to apply, but we need a great many to cannibalise to keep those we have in the air.
§ Brigadier Prior-PalmerAt what price would they be available to flying clubs?
§ Mr. CrawleyI cannot say at the moment.