Leslie Bear

Leslie Bear (1911-2000) joined Hansard on 1 February 1936. Hansard was a reserved occupation at the start of the war (meaning its staff were exempt from military service), but the restriction was lifted in 1943, and Bear enlisted with the RAF—one of four members of Hansard staff to join the services during the war years. On 18 October 1944, there were questions in the Chamber about releasing “two of the most expert reporters from the Official Gallery'' from RAF service so that they could return to reporting duties with Hansard.Bear returned to Hansard in 1945. In 1954, he was appointed editor—a post he held until 1972. He retired in 1972 and was awarded a CBE in the Birthday Honours that year.