HC Deb 27 June 1950 vol 476 cc2084-5
32. Mr. Donner

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will either remove, or provide guards for, the large quantities of ammunition still dumped in wooded country in north Hampshire.

The Secretary of State for War (Mr. Strachey)

The two ammunition dumps in north Hampshire are guarded by civilian watchmen, four men being constantly on duty at each dump.

Mr. Donner

Is the Secretary of State aware that in Harewood Forest children, Communists and criminals can help themselves as they please?

Mr. Strachey

No, Sir. That is contrary to my information.

Sir Jocelyn Lucas

Do not four make a good bridge party?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I visited the dump in Harewood Forest two months ago, examined the ammunition in the greatest detail possible without causing a by-election, and was not at any time interrupted by any of his guards?

Mr. Strachey

These are no doubt large dumps, but I think there is a fairly generous provision of watchmen. In any case, I think that the dumps are being fairly rapidly cleared.

Mr. Donner

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I pass these dumps every-other day, and that I have never yet seen a watchman?

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