§ 70. Mr. Geoffrey Cooperasked the Secretary of State for Air what is the number of personnel employed in the Air Ministry Photographic Section; how many trips have been made during the last three months to obtain photographs in Germany of the airlift; what is the total number of photographs taken and the estimated cost of the various special trips for taking these photographs; and what steps are taken to ensure that all those employed are fully occupied and that there is no unnecessary waste in photographic equipment and materials.
§ Mr. A. HendersonI understand that my hon. Friend is referring to the photographic section of the Information Division. Sixteen persons are employed in it. A visit to Germany to photograph the airlift was last made at the beginning of November. Eighty photographs were taken. The cost of the visit was about £60. The activities of the section are subject to normal establishment and financial control and independent audit.
§ Mr. CooperIs my right hon. and learned Friend aware that on a recent air trip, undertaken especially to make further photographs of the airlift, none of the photographs came out because of mishandling of the cameras? Is he aware of the charge being made, and of the present waste of equipment and material, and will he have this matter looked into?
§ Mr. HendersonThis is the first I have heard of it, and I will certainly inquire into the allegations of the hon. Member.