§ 12. Mr. T. KENNEDYasked the Secretary of State for War if his attention has been drawn to complaints on the part of owners of property and householders at Kinghorn, Fifeshire, of the damage caused within the burgh by heavy gun-firing from the Kinghornness and Pettycur batteries; if he is aware that the amenities of the burgh as a summer holiday resort are being seriously affected by the heavy gunfire; that householders are compelled to keep their windows open in all sorts of weather in order to minimise the damage; that persons desirous of closing their houses during the holidays are prevented from doing so during the greater part of the summer; that the War Office refuse to admit any liability for the damage arising from the gunfire; and if he will consider the desirability in future of arranging for the carrying out of heavy gun practice at Inchkeith or elsewhere at a greater distance from inhabited houses?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSYes, Sir. The hon. Member will appreciate that firing from the various batteries at ranges is a military necessity, but everything possible is done to minimise the inconvenience to the public. In pursuance of this policy, I am having inquiry made whether the practice from the Kinghorn battery could properly be restricted to reduced charges, the practice with full charges being carried out from Inchkeith. No further firing from the 9.2 inch guns at Kinghorn will in fact be carried out this year, nor will there be further firing from the Pettycur battery. As regards claims for compensation for damage, I am unable to admit any liability unless there are abnormal circumstances or it can be shown that there has been negligence.
§ Mr. KENNEDYWhat distinction does the right hon. Gentleman draw between compensation caused by the firing of guns from these batteries, and the compensation referred to in Question No. 9 with regard to manœuvres?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSOne is a statutory compensation for which Army Funds are liable, and the other is a compensation for which the Army Funds are not liable, unless there has been negligence.
§ Mr. KELLYAt the same time that the right hon. Gentleman is considering the stoppage of the firing in this part of the country, will he take into consideration the firing that is giving trouble, expense, and loss at Clacton-on-Sea, Southend, and Woolwich?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSNobody likes heavy gun firing in their immediate neighbourhood, but we are most considerate in the matter and are always careful not to cause any inconvenience that can be avoided.
§ Mr. R. MORRISONWhat useful purpose is served by firing 9-inch guns?