HC Deb 30 April 1953 vol 514 c121W
73. Mr. Perkins

asked the Minister of National Insurance why civil pilots undertaking private tuition courses to qualify them for flying appointments are not deemed to be entitled to National Insurance benefits, in view of the fact that in similar circumstances Merchant Navy personnel are entitled to full benefits.

Mr. Turton

There is nothing in the Act or Regulations to deprive such pilots of National Insurance benefits so long as they satisfy the normal statutory conditions. My right hon. Friend does not, however, see his way to extend to them the special modifications of the statutory conditions for unemployment benefit which were made in 1948 to meet conditions in the Merchant Navy.