HC Deb 09 May 1944 vol 399 cc1742-3W
Mr. A. Edwards

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that Canadian newspapers reported the inquest on the airman who died through an injection of toxoid for diphtheria; that the facts are known to a number of people in Canada and in this country; and why, in the circumstances, is the Report of the court of inquiry into this matter held to be a privileged document.

Sir A. Sinclair

Yes, Sir. The circumstances of the death of this airman were investigated both by coroner's inquest and by a Court of Inquiry convened by the Royal Canadian Air Force. I am aware that the proceedings of the inquest have been reported in the Canadian Press, but this fact does not affect the privileged character of the report of the Service Court of Inquiry.