Mr. David Adamsasked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware of the complaints of the serious shortage of B-licence pilots at Newcastle municipal airport; and whether it is intended to permit the employment of competent A-licence pilots available at that airport, on Army co-operation flying, or how is it proposed to supply the B-licence pilots required?
Captain BalfourI am aware of the considerable demand for B-licence pilots, as I indicated in my reply to the hon. Member on 26th April, and of the particular representations that have been made by the Newcastle-upon-Tyne Aero Club. My right hon. Friend has taken preliminary steps to consult the commercial pilots' organisations concerned with a view to a temporary relaxation of the present regulations, so as to enable suit-