asked the Minister of Aircraft Production how many nearly new light aircraft of a kind suitable for employment for private flying and the light aeroplane clubs are now in the process of destruction by aircraft firms under orders from his Department; and whether instead they will be retained for post-war civil training.

No nearly new light aircraft of a kind and quality suitable for employment for private flying and the light aeroplane clubs are in the process of destruction. Obsolete aircraft surplus to Service needs must from time to time be disposed of in order to economise storage space and to allow the limited manpower available to be concentrated on the preparation of aircraft in demand by the Services. I have no doubt that the needs of private flyers and light aeroplane clubs will be easily satisfied when the time comes, though I hope that most of these will be supplied from new production which will help to maintain our aircraft industry in the post-war period.