§ MR. WHITEHEAD (Essex, S.E.)To ask the Secretary of State for War whether the court of inquiry with reference to the dangerous shooting at Shoebury on June 4th has yet been held; I whether that court heard any evidence from the persons who were in danger and whose names and addresses were furnished to the War Office; what was the result of the inquiry; and whether he has issued or proposes to issue any additional regulations for the safety of the public.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) A court of inquiry was held at Shoebury-ness at which Mr. Kirby, the owner of the boat in which the party were fishing, and who was on board of it at the time, gave evidence. The result of the inquiry established the fact that stringent precautions were observed, but failed to elicit any evidence as to the reason for the abnormal behaviour of the projectile. It is believed that it must have ricochetted from some floating substance. No regulations could provide against such a contingency, and it is not proposed to tike any further action in the matter.