§ 14. Mr. Haymanasked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of explosion mishaps at Medlyn Moor, Wendron, on 7th September, 1955, and at Carnkie, Camborne-Redruth, on 1st December, 1957, both in the Falmouth and Camborne constituency of Cornwall, he will arrange for similar operations by 395 the Royal Engineers to be suspended pending the results of the investigation now being conducted into the Carnkie incident.
§ Mr. John HareNo, Sir. Although the damage at Carnkie is believed to have been caused by a freak effect of the explosion, a full technical inquiry has been arranged. This will take several months. There is no evidence at present that the Regulations require amendment, and I am not prepared to suspend all similar operations during the period of the inquiry.
§ Mr. HaymanIs the Minister aware that his reply will cause great consternation in West Cornwall, because there has already been great concern about both incidents, particularly that at Carnkie, where it was really extremely lucky that no casualties occurred?
§ Mr. HareAs I say, this was a freak explosion but, even so, we are having a special inquiry made into it. I hope that the hon. Gentleman is exaggerating the fears of people in that part of the world.