§ 4. Mr. Collardasked the Minister of Aviation what steps he is taking to encourage private flying in Great Britain.
§ Mr. RipponThe Government help private and club flying by landing concessions at certain Government aerodromes; reduced rates for housing and parking; rebate of petrol tax for club aircraft; payment for use of club facilities by the Air Training Corps; and moderated airworthiness arrangements. The Standing Joint Committee on Private and Club Flying has prepared a specification for a cheap V.H.F. radio set and is preparing another for an economical light aircraft.
§ Mr. CollardIs my hon. Friend aware that, in spite of this assistance, private flying and flying clubs in general are in a bad way? Does he agree that perhaps one of the best ways of helping flying clubs would be to enable them to buy new aircraft, and that this in turn might have the effect of creating a market for light aircraft in this country, where at present it does not exist?
§ Mr. RipponI do not know that I am prepared to agree that the clubs are in a bad way or that they wish to say so themselves. We are well aware of the importance of giving every encouragement to private flying.
§ Mr. de FreitasCan the Parliamentary Secretary give an assurance that there will be no change in the petrol rebate?
§ Mr. RipponThat is a matter which is now under consideration.