HC Deb 25 March 1947 vol 435 cc1066-7
37. Mr. Snadden

asked the Secretary of State for War in regard to the ammunition depot in Perthshire what steps he proposes taking to accelerate the present slow and falling rate of removal of ammunition and explosives.

Mr. Bellenger

The removal ammunition has inevitably been slow during the past few months because of transport difficulties. Every effort will be made with the arrival of better weather to dispose of the ammunition quickly. Speed must not, however, be attained at the cost of safely, which overrides all other considerations.

Mr. Snadden

Is the Minister aware that, at the present rate of removal, it will be April, 1951, before we get rid of these ammunition dumps, and will he do something to expedite the matter?

Mr. Bellenger

I will do my best, but there are considerable difficulties which we have to overcome in all parts of the country in removing the huge stocks of ammunition built up during the war.

Colonel Gomme-Duncan

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Perth-shire ammunition dump is being moved as quickly as those in other parts of the country?

Mr. Bellenger

Yes, Sir; I should think so, generally speaking.

Mr. Stephen

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Perthshire has a much greater abundance of this ammunition than any other part of the country?

Mr. Bellenger

The hon. Gentleman has, in his Question, given the answer to it. It is because we have such a large amount of ammunition there that it takes longer to clear.

38. Mr. Snadden

asked the Secretary of State for War to what extent the civilian watchmen employed at the ammunition depot in Perthshire are subject to supervision; what record is maintained of the hours of beginning and ending each tour of duty; and what reports are submitted by these watchmen of their patrols or of the state of the dumps in the area of their watch.

Mr. Bellenger

Civilian watchmen at this depot are periodically visited during their tour of duty by the orderly officer and orderly warrant officer. All watchmen are signed on and off duty in the presence of an officer and a record is kept of duration of each tour. A certificate is signed by all watchmen coming off duty as to the time of each check made and any irregularities arising during their tours.

Sir Waldron Smithers

In view of the importance of guarding this ammunition, will the right hon. Gentleman ask M.I.5 to see that none of these watchmen are Communists?