45. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the possibility that there are still in various parts of the country some land mines which have been overlooked, he will instruct the Service Departments to issue a questionnaire to serving and non-serving personnel asking them to notify any special knowledge they may have regarding the location of these undetected mines, in view of the danger to children and the general public.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)I doubt whether the questionnaire suggested would provide any useful and reliable assistance. It is already the practice, where necessary, to seek further evidence direct from the men who laid the mines. Such men can readily be traced through record offices and can be cross-examined on the spot. The location of mines is a difficult problem, particularly as many may have been shifted by tides and soil movements, and, although the work is being actively pursued, I am afraid that complete clearance may take a long time.
Mr. De la BèreIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that these men can be traced? Are they being traced? Is he aware that the Government will be responsible for any explosion that may take place?
§ The Prime MinisterThey are being traced, but my reply is that the method suggested by the hon. Member would not be the most efficacious.
§ Sir S. HolmesIs the Prime Minister aware that there appears to be an undetected land mine somewhere in my immediate neighbourhood in the House; and in view of the danger to hon. Members on this side should he not secure its location and have it made innocuous?