HC Deb 21 January 1953 vol 510 cc194-5
29. Mr. Beswick

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what facilities will now be available for National Service aircrew who have completed their flying training to maintain their flying practice.

Mr. Ward

These pilots will have been trained to fly modern jet aircraft, and we hope that many of them will join the Royal Auxiliary Air Force. In addition, facilities for flying piston-engined types will for the present continue at the 14 Reserve Flying Schools not affected by the recent decision.

Mr. Beswick

Does the Under-Secretary think it will he possible to have training in the evenings and at the weekends, as it has been possible with a number of civilian schools spread over the country?

Mr. Ward

We must keep a sense of proportion in this matter. Obviously, it would be very pleasant indeed for everybody to go on flying at the public expense, but we cannot afford that. Therefore, what we want to do is to make the greatest possible use of the pilots who are going to stay in longer to become operational pilots, or Auxiliaries who are going to be of most use on the outbreak of any war, because they will have kept themselves refreshed in operational flying.