HC Deb 18 November 1942 vol 385 cc324-5
15. Mr. Kirby

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many copies of the official journal, known as the Royal Air Force Journal, circulated to all ranks of the Royal Air Force, are circulated and how often; who is the editor of this journal; when was he appointed; what is his age, rank and medical category; what was his occupation in civil life; and is he satisfied that, under this editorship, there will be no deterioration in the value of the journal from the technical and/or moral standpoint?

Sir A. Sinclair

"The Royal Air Force Journal" is at present published fortnightly and distributed on a basis of one copy for every 200 serving airmen. It is about to be issued in a revised form at monthly intervals, with a substantially larger circulation. The editor is Squadron Leader R. B. Raymond, who was appointed in October, 1942, after filling the post of assistant editor for 15 months. Before that he served for 18 months in the ranks. Squadron Leader Raymond is 36 years old, and his medical category is "fit for ground duties." In civil life he was employed in a London publishing firm. The answer to the last part of the Question is "Yes."

Mr. Kirby

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the technical side of this journal is conducted satisfactorily?

Sir A. Sinclair

Certainly, Sir. I am responsible in general to this House, but responsibility for the articles and for controlling the policy of the journal is discharged for me by the Director of Personal Services in the Ministry.