HC Deb 16 May 2002 vol 385 cc777-8W
Mr. Soames

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what guidance is given to serving officers on the submission of letters to newspapers for publication; if the letter from Flight Lieutenant D. Holland RAF and Lieutenant James Hamblin RN toThe Times, published on 13 May was approved by commanding officers; and if he will make a statement. [56882]

Mr. Ingram

Inquiries have revealed that there are no officers with these names in the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. The authorship of this letter is therefore unknown. We have informedThe Times accordingly. Queen's Regulations provide guidance to service personnel on publication of views and the requirement to seek permission beforehand. Had the letter been authentic, these procedures would have needed to be followed.

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