§ 43. Sir C. Osborneasked the Secretary of State for Defence if, in view of the fact that most Royal Air Force stations 574 are based on a five-day working week, he will give greater facilities for civilian flying and gliding clubs during the weekends; what extra financial support he proposes to give to these clubs; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesI am unable to add to the reply given to the hon. Member by my predecessor on 2nd June, 1965. With regard to facilities, however, I would be prepared to look sympathetically at any specific proposal which the hon. Member has in mind.
§ Sir C. OsborneSince the R.A.F. stations are absolutely at a standstill over a long weekend, on the assumption, I suppose, that no enemy would be caddish enough to attack us while we were having a weekend off, cannot greater facilities be given to the flying and gliding clubs to use these expensive installations which are standing idle?
§ Mr. ReesThe hon. Gentleman's remark about operational stations is not true. There are two factors which must be borne in mind. First, R.A.F. stations are carefully established for the rôle which they perform. There is no surplus manpower for performing civilian tasks. Secondly, there is the problem of control, safety and fire precautions. Men must be there over the weekend to perform these tasks if aircraft are there. I have promised to look at any individual case, but, in general, this is a very difficult problem.