HC Deb 05 June 1946 vol 423 c1974
8. Mr. Gallacher

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air under what regulation it is an offence for a man in the R.A.F. to sell, distribute, read, or have in his possession a copy of the paper, " People's Age,"In India.

Mr. de Freitas

Paragraph 1092 of King's Regulations and Air Council Instructions prohibits the publication or distribution by a member of the Royal Air Force of literature in furtherance of the political purposes of any organisation or party. It is not an offence under the Regulations to read or to possess copies of such literature.

Mr. Gallacher

Is it permissible for a member of the R.A.F., if he possesses such copies, to pass them on to his associates in the R.A.F.?

Mr. de Freitas

Each case will, of course, have to be treated entirely on the facts of the case.

Mr. Gallacher

Is it not the case that men have been interfered with by officers for passing on copies, or even possessing such papers?

Mr. de Freitas

No, Sir. I have no information of that.