asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation whether his attention has been called to the fact that the British Gliding Association has notified the International Aeronautical Federation that it will be unable to stage the international gliding championships in Britain next year as a result of petrol restrictions and other economic difficulties; and whether, in view of the importance of assisting the gliding movement, he will intervene in this matter with a view to modifying this decision.

The British Gliding Association and the Royal Aero Club have decided that the International Gliding Competition could not be satisfactorily conducted in this country next year owing to the economic crisis and the consequent restrictions. The answer to the second part of the Question is No, Sir. But I hope it will be possible to hold International competitions here before very long.

Is the Minister aware that these petrol restrictions will stop gliding altogether? When will it be possible to resume gliding?

It is true that they will make gliding much more difficult, but there have been discussions, and discussions are now going on, between the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Ministry of Fuel and Power to see whether it is possible to make available some petrol for actual gliding operations, particularly for retrieving the glider after it has flown.

Does it mean that gliding has to be put into cold storage until the Ministry can raise the wind?

Although petrol may be available to tow the gliders into the air, how can the people who want to glide get to the aerodrome without the petrol?

Hon. Members:

Walk.