§ 15. Commander Courtneyasked the Minister of Aviation how many flying clubs are at present operating in the United Kingdom; and how this number compares with that recommended by the Special Advisory Committee on Private Flying in 1947.
§ Mr. MartenThe Committee envisaged that up to 100 clubs would be needed to provide adequate coverage of the country as a whole. At the latest count there were 116 flying clubs and 110 flying groups.
§ Commander CourtneyWhile welcoming what my hon. Friend has said, may I ask him if it is not a fact that this country is rather behindhand in its support of private and club flying compared with certain countries, notably France? Would he not agree that in France three times the number of clubs and private aircraft are registered compared with this country?
§ Mr. MartenYes, Sir. France and some other countries give substantial financial help to flying and gliding clubs, but it is for them to say whether the results justify it. We believe that, while the Government could, and should, do many things to help, the movement must pay its own way. It is also true that in the United States there is more private flying, but in making such comparisons one must take into account the many factors involved, such as distance, weather conditions and availability of other means of transport.
§ Mr. SnowBefore the war flying clubs were encouraged for reasons of national defence. Would the hon. Gentleman 392 say whether that type of consideration is maintained in the light of the technical advance of other weapons?
§ Mr. MartenI am afraid that it is not.
§ 16. Commander Courtneyasked the Minister of Aviation how many of the recommendations of the 1947 Special Advisory Committee on Private Flying have since been implemented in whole or in part; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MartenThe Government of the day found themselves unable to offer the extensive financial assistance to flying and gliding clubs recommended by the Committee. The clubs, I am glad to say, did not in the event close down as the Committee feared they would without extensive State assistance.
§ Commander CourtneyDoes not that one fact show that the Socialist Administration of the day totally failed to carry out the promises given in 1947? Will my hon. Friend say that in the excellent years which I know he has ahead he will do something to right that state of affairs?
§ Mr. MartenAfter the General Election we shall, of course, continue our policy of encouraging private flying. I think that the report prepared by the Labour Party must be regarded as an imaginative guide rather than a realistic blueprint.