HC Deb 02 May 1951 vol 487 cc1187-9

The following Question stood upon the Order Paper in the name of Mr. J. P. L. THOMAS:

67. To ask the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he will make a further statement about the explosion of ammunition at Gibraltar.

At the end of Questions—

The Civil Lord of the Admiralty (Mr. Walter Edwards)

I wish, Mr. Speaker, with permission, to answer Question No. 67.

Yes, Sir. I would like to amplify the statement which was made to the House on 27th April shortly after the explosion occurred. On the present evidence it is thought that the explosion was caused by the ignition of a depth charge on board the lighter which was moored alongside the "Bedenham." The resulting fire caused ammunition in the lighter to explode. The force of this explosion broke the "Bedenham" in two.

Six dockyard employees and four persons not employed in the dockyard are known to have lost their lives. Three locally entered dockyard labourers are missing, presumed dead, and 11 people are known to have been seriously injured. In addition, many civilians have been treated for minor injuries. There were no casualties, other than minor injuries, to Royal Navy personnel and the crew of the "Bedenham" are safe.

As regards material damage, widespread superficial damage has been caused both in the city and the dockyard. Without prejudice to ultimate liability, the Admiralty is establishing machinery in Gibraltar to allow claims for compensation to be filed. Damage to H.M. ships was of a minor character not affecting seagoing efficiency. The dockyard was in full working order again by Monday, 30th April.

A Board of Inquiry, under the Chief Staff Officer to Flag Officer, Gibraltar, began work on Monday, 30th April, in Gibraltar. Experts have been flown to Gibraltar to assist in the investigation of this regrettable incident.

Mr. Thomas

May I ask the Civil Lord whether the inquiry will be extended to the port from which the "Bedenham" sailed, and whether special ammunition from a similar source to that exploded at Gibraltar will be examined? Also, as a general question, may I ask whether, in view of the disturbing incidents during the past year, the Admiralty is fully satisfied that the steps taken to tighten up our security arrangements at ports and naval establishments are adequate?

Mr. Edwards

In answer to the first question I can say that inquiries are now taking place in the port in which these depth charges were loaded. On the question of the explosives, that is a matter we are also looking into. In reply to the third part of the question, about the security of the yards, I would say that we have been tightening up our security arrangements, and at home we are perfectly satisfied, or at least as satisfied as we can be. As far as Gibraltar is concerned, we shall have to await the report of the Board of Inquiry before any decision can be made in that respect.

Surgeon Lieut.-Commander Bennett

In view of the somewhat conflicting reports which have given accounts of the sources from which the ammunition was derived, can the Civil Lord tell the House whether any of this ammunition came from the yard at Portsmouth Harbour after which this ship was named and which suffered a similar fate a few months ago?

Mr. Edwards

No, Sir. I cannot say that this ammunition came from the same yard as that at which the explosion took place a few months ago.

Commander Noble

Would the Civil Lord confirm that the civilian damage at Gibraltar is merely superficial, and that there is no need for any emergency relief scheme?

Mr. Edwards

On the information we have received, there is no need for an emergency scheme. The damage is mainly superficial, but despite that we have sent an officer out from the Admiralty to look into the whole question.

Mr. Thomas

Can we be told when the report of the inquiry is likely to be received?

Mr. Edwards

I am afraid that I cannot say today.