§ 51. Mr. T. KENNEDYasked the Secretary of State for War if his attention has been drawn to complaints on the part of owners of house property at Kinghorn, Fifeshire, of damage arising out of heavy-gun practice at Kinghornness battery; and if he is in a position to consider sympathetically reasonable claims for unavoidable damage or, alternatively, to arrange for the carrying out of gun practice at a greater distance from inhabited houses?
§ Captain KINGThe hon. Member recently brought one complaint to the notice of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, and was informed by him, in reply, that he was unable to admit any liability for damage which may result from firing unless there are abnormal circumstances or it can be shown that there has been negligence, but that every endeavour is made to minimise the inconvenience to the public.
§ Mr. KENNEDYIs not the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that this is a matter of long-standing grievance in this district; and that there as plenty of room elsewhere for gun practice without disturbing these people?
§ Captain KINGI am not aware of that. The only case brought to our notice is the case brought by the hon. Member himself. I understand that the claim made by his constituents, as to the extent of the damage, is less than 10s.
§ Mr. KENNEDYThere is no specific reference to any single complaint, but I have repeatedly brought complaints of a similar character to the notice of the War Office during recent years.
§ Captain KINGFiring at targets is a military necessity, and the Department take every precaution, give due notice and try to cause as little inconvenience as possible to the public.