§ MR. WHITEHEAD (Essex, S.E.)To ask the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the fact that George Gilson, of Leigh-on-Sea, whilst shrimping in the estuary of the Thames on 27th April 1905, was wounded by, and subsequently died from, a bullet discharged in the course of target practice by the Royal Garrison Artillery at Sheerness; and whether any, and 45 what, steps have been taken to prevent similar occurrences; if any new regulations have been issued since April 1905 for that purpose, what were the date and nature of the now regulations.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) The circumstances attending the death of George Gilson were thoroughly inquired into at the time. As a result orders were at once issued directing increased precautions, and new and more stringent regulations for safety were promulgated by the Army Council on the 2nd August 1905. These were again revised this year and fresh instructions issued on the 15th May last.
§ MR. WHITEHEADTo ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that earlier in the present month, and also on 14th May last, when heavy firing has been proceeding at Sheerness, shots have fallen in the Thames estuary, about two miles below the "Knock" buoy, in the track of sailing vessels and yachts; and whether he has taken or will immediately take steps to protect the public using the river from all risk whatever of this kind, and to ask what steps he has taken or proposes to take.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) The General Officer Commanding in Chief, Eastern Command, has been requested to report on the matter in question.