§ 58. Brigadier-General Sir OWEN THOMASasked the Prime Minister whether, before Miss Douglas Pennant's dismissal, a strict inquiry was made into alleged complaints against her; if so, whether Miss Douglas Pennant and her chief, Major-General Sir Godfrey Baine, were aware of such inquiry; and if he will inform the House whether Miss Douglas Pennant was given an opportunity of hearing and answering charges against her?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Churchill)I have been asked to answer this question. I can add nothing to the full statement which I made on 13th March in the Debate on the Air Force Estimates as to the circumstances in which Miss Douglas Pennant's appointment was terminated.
§ Sir O. THOMASI should like to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is 1100 aware that a Member of this House was officially informed by the Secretary to the Air Ministry that such an inquiry was held?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI said that I can add nothing to what I have already said in Debate, but I would remind my hon. Friend that I expressed my willingness to publish the correspondence which has taken place on this subject if I were pressed to do so by those who are acting for Miss Douglas Pennant.
Lieutenant-Colonel MALONEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that Sir William Robinson, Secretary to the Air Ministry, has endeavoured to influence the opinion of Members of this House with regard to this case, and does he consider that is proper work for this official?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI am not aware of anything of the sort, and I do not know what "influencing opinion" means. It is certainly not proper to bring up such a matter in relation to a question to which it has no reference.
§ Sir O. THOMASWill my right hon. Friend inquire whether such an inquiry has been held?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNo, Sir; as I say, I have been conducting a correspondence with this lady on the subject of an inquiry, and I am quite prepared to lay the correspondence on the Table if her friends desire it to be laid.