HC Deb 22 July 1952 vol 504 c257
14. Mr. Wigg

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has a statement to make on the recent disorders at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst.

Mr. Head

On 8th July, it was announced at the R.M.A., Sandhurst, that the Gaza Company had won the intercompany competition for the third term running. Subsequently, during a display of jubilation, some slight damage was caused to property, which will be paid for by the cadets concerned. Although the roof was climbed and some cadets fell in the lake, such occurrences are not exceptional, and I see no cause for concern about the general standard of discipline and behaviour at the Royal Military Academy.

Mr. Wigg

Although the right hon. Gentleman is trying to laugh this off, will he inform the House whether anyone was admitted to hospital and what is the total estimated cost of the damage to public property?

Mr. Head

The total of the damage was about £60, which, divided among the number of cadets concerned, will not be a very large financial responsibility for them. With regard to hospital, there were some minor injuries, but everybody is now perfectly all right again.

Mr. Wigg

Would the right bon. Gentleman answer the question: were there any admissions to hospital?

Mr. Head

Yes, Sir.