§ 28. Mr. Fortasked the Secretary of State for War what action is being taken to prevent a repetition of the accident which occurred on Pendle Hill, near Clitheroe, recently when one young man was killed and two others were severely injured by a bomb.
§ Mr. M. StewartI deeply regret this incident. A thorough search of the area by mechanical detectors and by visual methods is now proceeding. It must be emphasised, however, that, provided missiles found on land are not tampered with, they are harmless. If any person finds one he should not touch it, but should mark the spot and immediately report it to the local police.
§ Mr. FortAs Pendle Hill is one of the most beautiful parts of Lancashire, and indeed of all England, and is much visited by those living in the surrounding towns and countryside, will the hon. Gentleman impress upon the military authorities the need for a thorough search over a wide area where any bombs may have been thrown and now be lodged?
§ Mr. StewartYes, Sir. This area was twice cleared in October and December, 1945. The hon. Member who knows the area will realise the extreme difficulty of being absolutely certain that every source of danger has been removed. As I have said, a further search with mechanical aids is now proceeding.