30 AUGUST 1935, Page 2

Encouragement for Light Aeroplanes, The decision to free the manufacture

and private flying .of ultra-light aeroplanes from official control, as recommended long ago by the Goren Committee, is one of immense importance for the development of civilian flying. Military flying and civil flying arc quite different things, and the latter ought not to be subordinate to the interests of the former. Rigid restrictions are obviously desirable in regard to cont- mein al aeroplanes carrying passengers ; but even in their interest it • was right that the civil side of the Air Ministry should not be controlled by the military. go far as private flying is concerned, progress is only possible if owners are given latitude in the choice of 'the risk.; they incur and manufacturers are. given freedom to exercise initiative. More freedom was necessary. But the results will need to be watched. Full freedom Iv' been given in the motor-car industry, and now the State is forced to consider whether it has not tolerated more than it was safe to tolerate, and is beginning to .devise restrictions. It is at least a wise provision to begin by requiring third-party insurance.