HC Deb 25 January 1949 vol 460 cc723-4
20. Mr. Spearman

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps will be taken to avoid danger to passing traffic when practice firing takes place across the Scarborough and Whitby road.

Mr. Shinwell

Guns will be kept so far back that no risk will arise to users of the roads. Nor will the noise of firing be sufficient to distract the attention of drivers. The type of shell and fuse to be used and the minimum range on which the guns may be, fired will be subject to strict rules.

Mr. Spearman

Does the Minister agree that sometimes shells do fall a long way short, and that, in fact, a roadman on a neighbouring road was killed during target practice in 1945? Will he give an assurance that there will be no stoppage of traffic between these two important seaside resorts?

Mr. Shinwell

I will certainly do all I can to help the hon. Member most concerned.

Mr. York

Is the Minister telling the House that there will be a constant stream of shells going over this important road all the way through the holiday season?

Mr. Shinwell

I certainly have said nothing of the sort.