HC Deb 07 April 1943 vol 388 c589
6. Mrs. Cazalet Keir

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether it is the usual practice of the Ministry to destroy, after their death, letters and personal papers belonging to officers and other ranks killed on service?

The Secretary of State for Air (Sir Archibald Sinclair)

No, Sir. The normal practice is to hold the private books and papers of deceased personnel in safe custody until they can be handed over to the person entitled to receive them.

Mrs. Keir

Is it a fact that under the regulations no station commander has the right to destroy any private letters or papers?

Sir A. Sinclair

Yes, Sir; that is so.