HC Deb 12 November 1952 vol 507 cc918-9
7. Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

asked the Minister of Civil Aviation whether flights by members of civilian gliding clubs will now be restricted to persons not less than 16 years of age.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I am consulting the British Gliding Association but have not yet received their views.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Is the Minister aware that in the Air Training Corps no cadet below the age of 16 is allowed to go into the air? Why is he so hesitant about imposing a similar common sense requirement on the British Gliding Association and, in that way, reducing the mortality rate of 14 year old schoolchildren who, in present circumstances, make long glider flights as members of clubs? Will he not agree that the situation is thoroughly deplorable and requires some measure of uniformity on the part of the Ministry?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

We must be very careful in being prudent between a natural regard for young people and a desire not to stifle enterprise. In this we have been working to the Air Navigation Order, 1949, passed when the hon. and gallant Members' hon. Friends were in power.