Mr. Baker White:

asked the Secretary of State for Air if he is aware that serving members of the R.A.F. employed in his Department have received invitations to join the Fabian Society; that the invitations were sent to them at their Departmental addresses and that the letters were delivered to them through the official administrative channel; and whether the use of official channels and of the official directory to recruit serving members of the R.A.F. into a political organisation was made with his permission.

Yes, Sir. I understand that serving members of the Royal Air Force employed in the Air Ministry have received through the post invitations to join the Fabian Society. The names are obtainable from published reference books. I cannot think that the hon. Member would welcome any interference with the ordinary procedure for delivering letters, even if I had the power to see their contents, which I have not.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell me whether my former connection with his Ministry is the explanation of my receiving such an invitation?

It certainly is a very distinguished passage in the hon. Gentleman's career. I hope he will accept the invitation.