§ 69. Mr. W. THORNEasked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the damage done to houses in the locality of Sheerness by the 724 firing of 9.2 guns of the Ravelin Battery; if he is aware that workpeople who own the houses in which they reside cannot afford to have the repairs executed necessitated by the damage caused by the gun firing; and if he intends taking action with a view to giving adequate compensation for the damage?
§ Mr. TENNANTI am not aware that, there have been any recent complaint arising from the firing of the guns at the Ravelin battery. The War Department is not liable for damage caused by the reasonable use of forts and batteries, and it does not appear that there is ground for any action.
§ Mr. W. THORNEHas the hon. Gentleman read the report in the newspapers of last Saturday that this firing is the real cause of the damage to these houses?
§ Mr. TENNANTI have not seen any report. If my hon. Friend will give it to me I will investigate it.