§ Captain Kerbyasked the Secretary of State for Air why, in relation to the manuscript of a book entitled, "The Hidden Catch," and in reply to a letter dated 15th December, 1955, written by Major Clayton Hutton to the Air Ministry asking if such a manuscript had been received by that Department, a written denial was sent to Major Hutton, dated 20th December, 1955, stating that no such manuscript had ever been received by the Air Ministry;
52W(2) why it was not until a telegram, dated 20th December, 1955, was received by the Air Ministry from Major Clayton Hutton, demanding the names of the officers who had authorised the passing for publication of his manuscript entitled, "The Hidden Catch", containing added and libellous words regarding the integrity of Major Hutton, that he was by telephone that day asked to visit the Air Ministry, where he was seen by two Royal Air Force officers who admitted granting clearance for publication to the book, and further admitted that they had refused to allow Major Hutton's name to appear as the author of his own work.
§ Mr. BirchThe letter of 20th December was sent in error, and two days later Major Clayton Hutton was invited to call at the Air Ministry, where the misunderstanding was explained to him and apology made for the irritation which it had caused. The extent of the Air Ministry's concern with the content of the book "The Hidden Catch" was explained to my hon. and gallant Friend in the written reply which I gave him on 13th March.