§ 22. Mr. Granville Sharpasked the Secretary of State for War why notices "Unexploded Bombs, Keep Out," have been recently erected by his Department on Ilkley Moor, at Burley Woodhead, and other places much used by the public; whether the bombs were dropped within the last two years and whether there is any proof that a public danger does exist; and by what date the notices will be removed.
§ Mr. BellengerBurley Woodhead is an area which was used for the firing of live ammunition, including mortar bombs. The area has not yet been searched for unexploded missiles, but there is little doubt that they exist. Because of the advent of the summer season and the popularity of Burley Woodhead with the public, all dilapidated warning notices have recently been renewed. The area will be released as soon as the unexploded missiles are cleared, but, in view of the limited manpower available, I regret that it is not possible to give a date by which this can be done. It is an area which has been given high priority for clearance by the military authorities concerned.
§ Mr. SharpIs my right hon. Friend aware that these notices are completely new ones, on very good timber, and that the inhabitants of that area have not seen any notices there before?
§ Mr. BellengerIf any explosive missiles are there, then I think it was inevitable that we should put those notices up.
§ Lieut.-Commander Gurney BraithwaiteMay we assume from the right hon. Gentleman's reply that Ilkley Moor remains sacrosanct?