§ Mr. Parkerasked the Secretary of State for Air what are the conditions under which serving airmen of all ranks can become Parliamentary candidates; whether they differ from conditions in the Army; and why permission was refused to 915977 Aircraftman 2nd Class, Charles Deller, X45, No. 1 Wing, No. 2 E and W School, Royal Air Force, when he wished to stand at the recent Doncaster by-election as an Independent candidate?
§ Sir A. SinclairAll R.A.F. personnel who desire to become Parliamentary candidates must first obtain the permission of the Air Council. Army personnel must similarly obtain the permission of the Army Council. I regret that permission to stand at the recent Doncaster by-election was refused to Aircraftman Deller owing to a misinterpretation of the regulations by his commanding officer, who has since been informed of the error. I am considering whether the regulations can with advantage be clarified.