HL Deb 17 November 1948 vol 159 cc413-5

2.37 p.m.

LORD BALFOUR OF INCHRYE

My Lords, I beg to ask the second question standing in my name on the Order Paper.

[The question was as follows:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they are aware that many light aeroplane clubs are threatened with cessation of operation through exhaustion of resources, and whether in view of their national importance some further measure of help can be granted to these clubs.]

LORD PAKENHAM

My Lords, I fully appreciate the difficulties which light aeroplane clubs are encountering at the present time, and I sympathise strongly with their efforts to continue their activities. I have always been willing to give all possible help, other than by way of direct financial assistance, but very strong arguments are necessary to justify the grant of subsidies to the clubs, having regard to the present economic position of the country and the current restrictions on man-power and materials. However, I am glad to be able to tell your Lordships that the question is now being given further full and careful consideration. I may add that I visited the London Transport (Central Buses) Sports Association Flying Club as recently as yesterday, and I was greatly impressed by the spirit of enthusiasm which was evident there.

LORD BALFOUR OF INCHRYE

My Lords, arising out of the Minister's answer, which I am sure will put new heart into clubs of this kind, many of which are suffering difficulties owing to the serious financial position in which they find themselves—a position now deteriorating—may I ask whether if this question is put down again in, say, four weeks' time, the Minister would then be able to give some reply?

LORD PAKENHAM

My Lords, as the noble Lord is aware, I am not the financial dictator of this country. Therefore, I cannot give a promise of this kind. I will, however, undertake to do everything in my power to do as the noble Lord wishes.

EARL HOWE

My Lords, are we to understand from the Minister's answer that he is favourably disposed towards this suggestion, or that he is not? We can well understand that there may be financial considerations which are against the granting of assistance. On the other hand, surely these light aeroplane clubs are going to provide us with reserve pilots who may be of extraordinary value in an emergency, as they were when the last emergency arose. It would be some help to many of us who take an interest in these clubs if we could be told whether the Government are sympathetic to the idea which is suggested in Lord Balfour's question.

LORD PAKENHAM

I agree entirely with some of the implications of the statements in the last part of the noble Earl's remarks. I am sure he will realise that I should get into serious trouble with the Chancellor of the Exchequer if I answered the first part of the question as directly as he would no doubt like me to do.