HC Deb 07 June 1939 vol 348 cc407-8
29. Mr. Mander

asked the Secretary of State for Air the circumstances in which, at the air display on 20th May, at Castle Bromwich, the Press and photographers were excluded from the official reserved section and given no proper opportunities of reporting the proceedings?

Sir K. Wood

Revised Press arrangements were introduced locally at Castle Bromwich for the Empire Air Day display this year which I understand did not prove satisfactory. I very much regret any inconvenience that may have been caused to the Press, whose good will and co-operation are so readily given and so important to my Department, and I am taking steps to ensure that, on future occasions, adequate facilities will be provided at all stations participating in the display.

Mr. Mander

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the great resentment that was felt by the journalists concerned and that an official protest was sent by the local branch of the National Union of Journalists, and will he take steps to obviate these difficulties in future?

Sir K. Wood

I regret this, and, in fact, I am in communication with my correspondents.

Mr. Gallacher

The Germans have got all the information.

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