§ 38. Mr. THURTLEasked the Secretary of State for Air how long Colonel Lawrence, who is serving under the rank and name of Aircraftman Shaw, was stationed on the north-west frontier of India; whether during the time he was stationed there he carried out the ordinary duties of his rank; and what leave of absence, if any, was granted to him during his period of service in this part of India?
§ Earl WINTERTONI have been asked to reply. As regards the first part of the question, Aircraftman Shaw was posted to No. 20 Squadron, Peshawar, from Karachi on the 26th May, 1928. The answer to the second part is in the affirmative. As regards the last part, I understand that Aircraftman Shaw was not granted any leave while with the Squadron.
§ Mr. THURTLECan the Noble Lord say whether the authorities at the time Colonel Lawrence enlisted knew that he was enlisting under a false name, and, if so, why they permitted that enlistment to take place?
§ Earl WINTERTONAny question as to enlistment should be addressed to the Air Minister, but I believe that it is frequently the fact that people enlist under names other than their own.
§ Mr. THURTLEIs it a fact that they enlist under false names when it is known to the authorities that the names are false?
§ Earl WINTERTONAs I have said, that is not a question with which I can deal—it is a question for the Air Minister.