HC Deb 24 November 1926 vol 200 cc422-3W
Lord APSLEY

asked the Secretary of State for Air the direct result of the subsidisation of light aeroplane clubs; and whether he has any statistics showing the present numbers of amateur flyers and amateur-owned planes?

Sir S. HOARE

As regards the first part of the question, there are now six subsidised light aeroplane clubs in existence, with a total of 962 members and associates; of these, a large number are under training as pilots, and 44 have already trained and qualified on club aircraft. It may interest my Noble Friend and hon. Members to know that a number of these pilots have already joined the Air Force Reserve or the Auxiliary Air Force. As regards the last part of the question, there were, on 1st November, 117 private pilots' licences held by persons other than serving Royal Air Force officers, and 33 privately-owned aeroplanes were on the register.