HC Deb 05 March 1946 vol 420 cc45-6W
123. Dr. Morgan

asked the Undersecretary of State for Air whether thorough inquiry has been made in every incident in the R.A.F. involving a clash between white and coloured Servicemen; whether the men involved, especially Colonials from the West Indies, have been allowed to choose independent counsel to represent them; and whether any reports of trials or of investigations following disturbances are available for perusal by interested Members of Parliament.

Mr. Strachey

Yes, Sir. An inquiry is held into all such incidents. Where trial by court martial is involved any member of the R.A.F., whatever his nationality, has the right to engage legal assistance and to be represented by his own counsel, or he may have an officer to assist him at his trial. The official reports of trials or investigations are not normally made available outside the Service, but if my hon. Friend is interested in any special case I may be able to give him information in confidence.