asked the Secretary of State for Air what role he desires the light aeroplane clubs to fill in relation to our war effort in the air?

Before the war, the light aeroplane clubs filled a valuable role in stimulating a general interest in aviation and in helping to build up a potential of war-time pilots and aircrews. On the outbreak of war it was necessary, for R.A.F. operational reasons, to close down this branch of civil flying, but the resources of the clubs in aircraft, personnel and aerodromes have been and are being used to the fullest practicable extent in the prosecution of the war effort.

Are we to understand, therefore, that these clubs are to remain permanently closed down, at any rate during the period of hostilities?

Yes, Sir, I think that, in all probability, that will be the case. My hon. Friend will remember that civil flying was prohibited at the beginning of the war under the Air Navigation (Restrictions in Time of War) Order, 1939.