§ MR. WHITEHEAD (Essex, S.E.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether further inquiries have now been made by the War Office into the statement brought to his notice last month, that on the 4th June a shell from Shoebury fell within twenty yards of a party of nine who were fishing in the bawley "Edgar," from Leigh-on-Sea; whether he is aware that prior to the matter being brought to the notice of the War Office, Sergeant-Major Gunnett had already been to Leigh-on-Sea to interview the skipper of the bawley "Edgar," with reference to the incident, and had ascertained all the details; and that those responsible for the firing still allege that the incident did not take place; and, if so, can he state why Sergeant-Major Gunnett visited Leigh to interview the skipper before any complaint or allegation had been made to the War Office.
§ *THE SECRETARY OV STATE FOR WAR (Mr. HALDANE, Haddington)A Court of Inquiry will be held to investigate fully the alleged incident. As regards the visit of Sergeant-Major Gum-net to Leigh which took place on the 20th June, I may point out that my hon. friend gave notice of his Question on the 18th June and that the attention of the Commandant of the School of Gunnery was drawn to it on the 19th June.