§ Mr. WATTasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that 101 steamers daily at this season pass through the arc of fire from Gerhallow Battery, on 18th to 20th July, and that these steamers are crowded with passengers; and whether he will compensate owners and passengers for any damage sustained?
§ Mr. WATTasked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the fact that carriage hirers are warned to avoid the main road during the gun practice from Ardhallow Battery from 18th to 29th July instant; whether he is aware that these ten days constitute the busiest time in the year for people in the carriage-hiring business; and will he consent to compensate them for the loss of trade during the period mentioned?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Haldane)I will answer these two questions together. As I informed my hon. Friend yesterday, I am inquiring whether any modification of the arrangements for practice can be made to meet the difficulty to which he alludes. No question, however, of compensation for alleged loss through interference with trade can arise as involving a charge against public funds.