HC Deb 15 November 1950 vol 480 c1706
34. Mr. Donner

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will reconsider the air training scheme in Canada with a view to its early expansion.

Mr. Crawley

Great importance is attached by the Government to the generous initiative of the Canadian Government in providing training facilities in Canada for a number of pilots and navigators of the R.A.F. Any question of the expansion of this scheme is a matter for further discussion between the two Governments in the light of the defence programmes of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation countries which are now taking shape, and the hon. Member may be assured that this and other possibilities are under urgent examination.

Mr. Donner

How long will it be before the Under-Secretary will be able to make a statement? Is he aware of the urgent need to expand the scheme, in view of actual and potential commitments?

Mr. Crawley

That obviously depends partly on the response of the Canadian Government.