§ 25. Air-Commodore Harveyasked the Secretary of State for Air if he is aware that in the October issue of the "R.A.F. Review," a publication prepared in his Department, it is stated that the Russian authorities during the war were paying British airmen of No. 151 Hurricane Wing of the R.A.F. 12,000 roubles for every German aircraft they destroyed; how many such aircraft were destroyed; how much money was paid over; who were the recipients; and who is the author of the article referred to.
§ Mr. de FreitasYes, Sir. As was publicly stated at the time, a sum of 15,000 roubles—about £300—was paid over by the Russian authorities, following their practice for their own forces, and was transferred to the R.A.F. Benevolent Fund. The sum actually paid in respect of each aircraft destroyed was 1,000 roubles and not 12,000 as stated in the article. Fifteen German aircraft were destroyed. The article was written by a member of the editorial staff.
§ Air-Commodore HarveyWill the Under-Secretary say if the aircraft were destroyed by British pilots?
§ Mr. de FreitasYes, Sir, they were.
§ Mr. ErrollCan the Minister say why this exaggeration was permitted in this journal?
§ Mr. de FreitasIt was a misprint, as I said.
§ Mr. StokesIt happens in the Tory papers, too.