HC Deb 28 May 1952 vol 501 cc1355-6
39. Captain Ryder

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what were the terms of reference of the Evershed Committee on Naval Air Organisation; what were its conclusions; and what action is being taken to implement its recommendations.

Mr. Digby

During 1944, Sir Raymond Evershed was attached to the Admiralty, on a part-time basis, and undertook an examination of the internal organisation of naval aviation, then known as the Fleet Air Arm. His report was a confidential document intended for the advice of the Board of Admiralty of the day. It is not the practice to publish the content, of documents of this kind or to indicate what measures have been taken as a result of the recommendations contained in them. I regret, therefore, that I cannot give the information requested by my hon. and gallant Friend.

Captain Ryder

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that it is generally considered that the Air Organisation of the Admiralty has many serious defects, and is it not a pity to suppress a valuable report of this nature?

Mr. Digby

I do not think that any useful purpose would be served by my commenting further on its recommendations.