§ 123. Mr. Skeffington-Lodgeasked the Secretary of State for Air if he is aware that the next-of-kin of 1868711 Warrant 214W Officer Raymond John Nicholas Bower-man, R.A.F., was first informed of his death, in an air crash off Penang, by friends calling to sympathise as a result of Press information; and whether he will cause an investigation to be made into the circumstances so that an appropriate apology may be extended to this airman's family at present residing at 20 Goldington Road, Bedford.
§ Mr. de FreitasI deeply regret that the relatives of the late Warrant Officer Bowerman should have been caused additional distress through first receiving an indirect report of their sad loss. I am making full inquiries into the circumstances in which the official notification was delayed and will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as I can.