HC Deb 04 July 1960 vol 626 cc9-10
12. Sir W. Wakefield

asked the Mnister of Aviation what progress has been made with the formation of a National Flying Trust for the promotion of gliding and light aeroplane flying; and if he will make a statement.

The Minister of Aviation (Mr. Duncan Sandys)

I am pursuing this idea, but am not yet ready to make a statement.

Sir W. Wakefield

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that now that the Kemsley Flying Trust, which did so much for gliding and light aeroplane flying, has been wound up, there is a great need for the formation of a trust of this sort? Will he do his utmost to expedite the formation and development of this flying trust as an urgent necessity as soon as possible?

Mr. Sandys

Yes, Sir. I have every sympathy with this idea. The disappearance of the Kemsley Flying Trust has created a gap, and I am seeing what can be done to fill it.

14. Mr. Collard

asked the Minister of Aviation if he will set aside a small section of his Department to deal specially with private and club flying.

Mr. Sandys

There is already in my Department a branch which deals with most of the main aspects of private and club flying.

Mr. Collard

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether that branch includes operational as well as technical aspects? Is he aware that it would be a great encouragement to private and civil flying, which is regarded as rather a poor relation, if there were a clearly defined section to which they could take their troubles?

Mr. Sandys

This branch deals with as many matters concerned with private flying as can efficiently be brought together in one branch. There is a number of things which affect not only private flying but other aspects of flying, which must be dealt with together.

Mr. Rankin

While I thoroughly agree with the idea of private flying and want to see it encouraged, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman to keep in mind that the air today is becoming very crowded indeed with civil aircraft? Will he see that these clubs are kept in places where they do not endanger the safety of civil aircraft?

Mr. Sandys

That, of course, will be very much in my mind.