HC Deb 05 June 1957 vol 571 cc1251-2
22. Mr. Spence

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he will permit Aberdeen Flying School and Aberdeen Flying Club to resume training under their pre-war leases.

Mr. Neave

My right hon. Friend is ready, as he and his predecessors have always been, to permit the companies to resume trading on reasonable terms, but I regret that the pre-war leases contain provisions which would not be suitable in current conditions.

Mr. Spence

May I ask the Minister whether he is aware that the terms on which he is inviting the recommencement of the work of the flying club and school are on a year-to-year basis, with no security in regard to the monopoly of these services? Is he aware that those are terms which no sane person could accept, and does he realise that it is his attitude which is denying a flying school and club to Aberdeen?

Mr. Neave

I do not realise that it is because of my action that this is so. This matter in regard to monopoly rights arose in 1950, when negotiations broke down. On 29th May, I suggested that representatives of this company should come to my Ministry, and I am quite willing to see them and to continue the negotiations.

23. Mr. Spence

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he is aware that Aberdeen Flying Club's pavilion has been unoccupied since the end of the war; and if he will state the date on which it was vacated.

Mr. Neave

Yes, Sir. The pavilion was transferred with vacant possession from the Air Ministry to the Ministry of Civil Aviation on 31st May, 1946. It was derequisitioned on 24th August, 1946. Although, at the request of the company, the derequisition notice was subsequently cancelled, the club has remained in possession.

24. Mr. Spence

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation how long the furniture and assets of Aberdeen Flying Club's Pavilion have been stored what is the total amount which has been paid for storage; the current annual cost of storage to his Department; and if he will compensate Aberdeen Flying Club for depreciation and obsolescence of stored goods.

Mr. Neave

The furniture and effects of the Aberdeen Flying Club's pavilion have been stored since the requisition of the pavilion on 13th October, 1939. The total amount paid for storage is £665 16s. 7d., including chattels from another of the club's buildings; the annual storage cost is £39. There is no statutory provision for the payment of compensation for depreciation or obsolescence of the goods so stored.

Mr. Spence

Will the Minister say why he does not return to the club that furniture which has been in his hands for the last twelve years? Is it not a gross waste of public money to store that furniture, when it could be of use in its original place?

Mr. Neave

I am quite prepared to discuss the question of ultimate responsibility for these storage charges with Mr. Gandar Dower, as I suggested last week.