HC Deb 07 February 1951 vol 483 cc1706-7
3. Major H. Johnson

asked the Secretary of State for Air why his Department cancelled an order placed with a Brighton firm of printers for 3,000 programmes for the Air Training Corps boxing championships at the Albert Hall; and whether he will dissociate himself from measures of this nature, and will continue to place printing orders with Brighton firms.

Mr. A. Henderson

The order was cancelled, on medical advice, in view of the smallpox epidemic at Brighton, which was then at its height. This step was considered to be a necessary precaution in view of the severity of the outbreak and the large number of A.T.C. cadets from all over the country who were present at the boxing championships. The circumstances were quite exceptional, and I can assure the hon. and gallant Member that there is no question of imposing or maintaining a ban on the execution of printing orders for the R.A.F. by Brighton firms once the risk of infection has disappeared.

Major Johnson

While thanking the Minister for his reply, may I ask if he will also confirm that now we have the smallpox "all clear" in Brighton he will not only resume printing orders, but will also resume his own regular weekly visits to Brighton, which my constituents appreciate?

Mr. McAdden

When the Minister says that this contract was cancelled upon medical advice, can he give the House an assurance that it was not as a result of representations made by his right hon. Friend the Minister of National Insurance?