§ 4. Mr. Manningham-Bullerasked the Secretary of State for War the estimated number of rifles destroyed or damaged beyond repair, and the estimated financial loss resulting from the recent fire at Weedon Ordnance Depot; and whether he can give any information on the cause of the fire.
§ Mr. StracheyThis very grave fire destroyed some 165,000 rifles and 5,000 Sten guns, the majority of which were awaiting repair. A preliminary estimate of the financial loss is £1 million. A court of inquiry will be held on 30th March. Investigations by the Special Investigations Branch and by the Northamptonshire County Police have produce no evidence that the fire was other than accidental.
§ Mr. Manningham-BullerIs it not the case that all electric current is cut off at about 5.30 p.m. and no smoking is allowed in this ordnance depot, and that the fire was first discovered at 3 a.m., or thereabouts?
§ Mr. StracheyWe had better await the results of the court of inquiry. I rather emphasise the gravity of the situation.
§ Earl WintertonIn view of the great gravity of this event, which the right hon. Gentleman has just admitted, will a full report of the findings of the inquiry, and possibly the evidence, be laid upon the Table of the House, or issued as a White Paper?
§ Mr. StracheyI should like to have notice of that.
§ Lieut.-Commander Gurney BraithwaiteIn view of the possibility of sabotage, has the right hon. Gentleman satisfied himself that there are no persons employed in this depot who in the past have expressed Communist sympathies?
§ Mr. StracheyNo, Sir.
§ Mr. Manningham-BullerWill the right hon. Gentleman take steps to see that it is a very high-powered court of inquiry that is appointed?
§ Mr. StracheyCertainly.