Oral Answers to Questions — Royal Air Force – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 5 February 1947.
Colonel Leonard Ropner
, Barkston Ash
12:00,
5 February 1947
asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that schoolchildren who have been able to gain access to Marston Moor aerodrome have acquired revolvers; and whether, in future, he will ensure that all firearms are properly guarded or, locked up.
Mr Philip Noel-Baker
, Derby
Yes, Sir. On 21st October last, some schoolboys broke into the armoury at Marston Moor and stole five revolvers. Extra locks have since been put on the doors of the armoury and the windows have been barred.
Colonel Leonard Ropner
, Barkston Ash
Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I have received representations, including one from a local authority, of the lack of care and attention which Government property receives at Marston Moor, and will he cause an inquiry to be made to make certain that there is not the appalling waste which is alleged?
Mr Philip Noel-Baker
, Derby
Inquiries have been made already following the hon. and gallant Member's Question, for which I am much obliged, and I think that, broadly speaking, there is no serious abuse at Marston Moor. They are handling a very big job, and they are faced with considerable difficulties. In this case, there has been a court of inquiry, and the findings are now under consideration.
Secretary of State was originally the title given to the two officials who conducted the Royal Correspondence under Elizabeth I. Now it is the title held by some of the more important Government Ministers, for example the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.