§ Mr. Wills(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Supply whether he will make a statement on the explosion which took place at the Royal Ordnance Factory, Puriton, near Bridgwater, on the evening of 29th June.
§ Mr. G. R. StraussI regret that an accident occurred in a process building at the Royal Ordnance Factory, Bridgwater, at approximately 8.45 p.m. on Friday, 29th June, in which six employees lost their lives. This factory manufactures high explosives. A court of inquiry under His Majesty's Chief Inspector of Explosives is now being held. I take this opportunity of expressing my deep regret at the loss of life and my sympathy with the relatives of the employees who were killed.
§ Mr. WillsI am sure that hon. Members will join with the Minister in expressing sympathy to the wives and relatives of the men who lost their lives in the performance of a duty which was of great value to us in this country.
§ Mr. StraussUsually, inquiries of this sort are not published because they are largely technical and often have a good deal of secret matter in them. It has not been the practice hitherto to publish them.
§ Mr. EdenWould the Minister consider that point? According to my recollection, there have been inquiries the results of which have been made public. There is bound to be wide interest in this matter from every point of view and I cannot see any particular advantage in excessive secrecy.
§ Mr. StraussI agree, but I am advised that that has been the general rule in the past for those reasons—that the reports are highly technical and very largely secret. But if there is any general information I can give to the House when the inquiry is over I will certainly do so.