HC Deb 26 July 1950 vol 478 cc57-8W
Mr. J. Johnson

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what arrangements are proposed for making good the extra expense to flying and gliding clubs caused by the increase in the tax on petrol.

Mr. Beswick

In accordance with the undertaking given on 14th June, a scheme has been formulated by the Ministry of Civil Aviation with the co-operation of the Association of British Aero Clubs and Centres, the Ultra Light Aircraft Association and the British Gliding Association, to afford to flying and gliding clubs in the United Kingdom, grants in relief of expenditure incurred from 5th April, 1950, on account of the increase in the tax on petrol. The three Associations have agreed to receive applications for grants from flying and gliding clubs and to make payments to them on behalf of the Ministry under arrangements now being worked out in detail.

All flying and gliding clubs and groups approved for this purpose by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, will be eligible for the grant in respect of petrol consumed on recreational and instructional flying and gliding done by club members in this country in aircraft operated by the clubs. In the case of flying clubs, the basis of calculation for payments will be the number of qualifying hours flown multiplied by an approved consumption figure for each type of aircraft. The basis for calculating payments to gliding clubs is still under discussion.

The total annual cost of the new scheme is expected to be of the order of £14,000 and a Supplementary Estimate for the Ministry of Civil Aviation will be presented in due course when the full details have been worked out.

A public announcement giving further details, including the procedure for submitting applications, will be made as soon as possible.

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