§ Wing Commander Bullusasked the Secretary of State for Air what further development there has been about the future of the Malcolm Clubs.
Mr. WardA settlement has been reached between Malcolm Clubs and the Air Ministry providing for the payment to Malcolm Clubs during the current financial year of an additional grant in aid of £15,000. Parliamentary authority for this payment will be sought by means of a supplementary Estimate. Malcolm Clubs have asked that this sum should be used to reduce their debt to the Department. They have also paid to the Department a further £15,000 for the same purpose. The debt has thus been reduced by £30,000.
The settlement includes the withdrawal by Malcolm Clubs of all counter-claims against the Air Ministry; agreement on the arrangements for future payments which may be made, subject to Parliamentary authority, in support of the clubs' activities in Germany; and agreement in principle on certain changes in the financial and accounting arrangements between the Air Ministry and the clubs.
Malcolm Clubs have informed me that a trust fund has been established and that a public appeal for funds is being made. The Air Council welcome this and wishes the appeal every success so that the clubs may continue their good work for the Royal Air Force.
In view of these developments the Air Council considers that there is no longer any question of the clubs being required to close at the end of 1959.