§ Sir H. CAYZERasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether it is a fact that an order has been issued to the aircraft apprentices at Halton, Bucks, forbidding them to keep their motor cycles in the district and ordering them to return the motor cycles to their homes; if so, for what reasons this order was issued; and whether, in view of the very considerable expense to which the parents of these apprentices have been 2555W put in providing their sons with motor cycles, this order can be cancelled?
§ Mr. LEACHThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, the reckless riding of a number of the boys recently caused several serious accidents, including one fatal accident, and the air officer commanding felt bound, in the interests of the boys, to issue the order referred to. As regards the last part of the question, I regret that in the circumstances I cannot see my way to have the order rescinded. I would point out that in an establishment which contains 2,000 boys under training, and will shortly contain 3,000, the, maintenance of discipline is rendered difficult if boys have the freedom of movement conferred by a motor bicycle.