HC Deb 24 January 1951 vol 483 cc113-4
13. Brigadier Medlicott

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if his attention has been drawn to the criticisms made by the magistrates concerning the security arrangements at Chatham Dockyard; and what steps he has taken to meet the points referred to in such criticisms.

Mr. W. Edwards

Yes, Sir. The arrangements in force are being reviewed once more in order to see what further safeguards would be justified, having regard to the cost in money and manpower of additional controls.

Brigadier Medlicott

Having regard to the incident on which these particular criticisms were based, and to other incidents of a rather disturbing character, may we have the assurance that special vigilance will be shown in this matter?

Mr. Edwards

Yes, Sir, I think I can safely give that assurance. I ought to point out to the House, also, that there are thousands of workpeople going in and out of the dockyards each day, and that the number of cases up to now—though we are not complacent about it—seems extremely small.