§ Mr. Hollis(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that considerable damage to property in Urchfont, Market Lavington and Easterton was caused by the use of 4,000 lb. bombs in the vicinity of R.A.F. exercises on Friday afternoon; that widespread anxiety in the neighbourhood has been caused by an announcement that there will be an even heavier exercise tomorrow, Tuesday, and whether he can give an assurance that that exercise will take place under conditions that can cause no damage to civilian property.
§ The Secretary of State for Air (Mr. Philip Noel-Baker)I am much indebted to the hon. and gallant Member for this opportunity to express my great regret 1095 that damage and alarm should have been caused in Market Lavington, Easterton and Urchfont by the dropping of 4,000 lb. bombs on the artillery range of Larkhill on Friday last. In the past 4,000 lb. bombs have, in fact, been safely used on this range, and on Friday the bombs fell nearly 2¾ miles from the nearest village. But, in view of what happened on Friday, the Air Council have now given orders that no bomb heavier than 500 lb. shall be used in the demonstration which is to take place to-morrow. I am satisfied that no danger can result from the use of these much smaller bombs.
§ Mr. HollisMay I thank the right hon. Gentleman for that statement, which will give very great satisfaction to the people of Wiltshire?