§ 30. Mr. BURGOYNEasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that in the case of a witness from the Royal Aircraft Factory who recently appeared before the Judicial Committee as Mr. A, although his name was given in confidence to the said Committee, Colonel O'Gorman on the afternoon of that day communicated to the assistant-superintendant of the factory, Major Heckstall-Smith, the fact that the said witness was a viewer, Mr. Valentine, and as a result Mr. Valentine was taken seriously to task by the assistant-superintendant; and will he say what action he proposes to take?
§ Mr. FORSTERMr. Valentine's name was not disclosed by Colonel O'Gorman. Major Heckstall-Smith identified Valentine from the Press reports of his evidence, and on his own initiative had an interview with Valentine to enable him to investigate the breaches of discipline, etc., on which Valentine had given evidence. He had no intention of taking Valentine to task, but assured him at the interview that he had a perfect right to hold any opinion he liked, and that nothing he said would be used to prejudice his position. No disciplinary action whatever had been taken against Valentine.