§ 2. Sir Harold Roperasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that the frequent dropping of empty cartridge cases from aircraft on to land adjoining Treligga range constitutes a danger to persons working there, and if he will take steps to prevent it; and what action is he taking to prevent a recurrence of two recent instances of explosive missiles falling on a neighbouring farm.
§ Mr. W. EdwardsComplaints have recently been received of spent cartridge cases falling on land near Treligga range and also of two incidents of explosive missiles falling on a neighbouring farm. One was the result of defective firing equipment on an aircraft and the other due to a regrettable error on the part of a pilot. The Admiralty have expressed their regret at these incidents and are investigating, urgently, what can be done to prevent a recurrence.
§ Sir H. RoperIn view of the wide area over which cultivation is rendered dangerous by the frequent firing on Treligga range, and of the importance of agriculture, will the Civil Lord inquire into the practicability of finding a more suitable site for target firing?
§ Mr. EdwardsI will certainly look into that but, as I have said, we are making urgent inquiries with a view to preventing a recurrence of those incidents.