§ 35. Mr. Ridsdaleasked the Minister of Supply whether, in view of the fact that it is impossible to reach satisfactory arrangements with regard to compensation for damage in the Clacton area as a result of explosions from Foulness and Shoeburyness, he will agree to cease these explosions forthwith.
§ Mr. MaudlingI do not accept that arrangements with regard to compensation for damage are unsatisfactory. I am aware that some of the claimants have received less than they claimed, but as to that, I would refer my hon. Friend to the full explanation given to him in the letters sent by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary. The explosions are a regrettable necessity, and it is not possible to stop, or even to reduce, the defence work which gives rise to them.
§ Mr. Ridsdaleis my right hon. Friend aware that the simple request of the people in the Clacton area is that there should be no firing without fair compensation? I hope that he will see to it.
§ Mr. MaudlingThat, in effect, is what we are doing.