HC Deb 09 July 1962 vol 662 cc944-5
8. Mr. H. Hynd

asked the Minister of Aviation what is the present concession on fuel used for private flying; and what improvement he proposes in order to encourage people to take flying lessons.

Mr. Woodhouse

A rebate of duty on petrol used by flying clubs is paid at a rate for the present year of 1s. 3d. a gallon. It is not possible to improve on this within the finance available for the scheme.

Mr. Hynd

Has the Minister given recent consideration to the desirability of forming a pool of pilots in this way?

Mr. Woodhouse

This scheme was introduced in the first place expressly in order to help to form a pool of pilots. The fact that the increase in private flying last year has, so to speak, bumped against the ceiling of the subsidy is evidence that the encouragement given by the Government to private flying has been very successful.

Dr. Bennett

Will my hon. Friend consider allowing petrol supplied for seaplanes to be duty-free?

Mr. Woodhouse

That is a slightly different question, of which I would require notice; but I will consider it.