§ 21. Mr. Goughasked the Secretary of State for War what period of time was taken and what was the cost to public funds for removing an unexploded aircraft shell from the Shell-Mex factory, Stanford-le-House, near Southend.
§ Mr. J. AmeryThe task of removing this shell was spread over twenty months and the estimated cost of running plant and providing materials was about £3,800. About £1,800 worth of the material used can be recovered.
§ Mr. GoughDoes not my hon. Friend think that it is a scandal that it takes twenty months to lift an aircraft shell from the Shell-Mex factory? Would he look into the matter to see whether the few remaining similar unexploded bombs and shells can be removed at a cheaper rate?
§ Mr. AmeryI have looked into the matter very carefully. It was thought that the projectile in question was a 250 lb. bomb which was situated between five and six feet from a railway serving Shell-Mex Refinery. In the circum-cumstances, we thought it essential to secure removal of the projectile.