61 and 62. Mr. B. Harrisonasked the Secretary of State for Air (1) whether he will cause the United States Air Force to recover the ammunition, explosives and rockets which have been dumped in the River Blackwater, in view of their hazardous nature and the damage they are causing to fishing nets.
§ (2) whether he will take action to prevent the dumping by the United States Air Force of ammunition, explosives and rockets in the River Blackwater.
The Under-Secretary of State for Air (Mr. Charles Ian Orr-Ewing)Complaints that ammunition has been clumped in the River Blackwater are now being investigated, and I will write to my honourable Friend as soon as the inquiries are complete. Meanwhile, the United States Air Force authorities have reminded their personnel and their contractors that ammunition is not to be disposed of in this way.
Mr. HarrisonWhilst thanking my hon. Friend for part of his reply, and for his promise of additional information when the report is received, may I ask him whether the case of the fisherman whose nets have been damaged can be considered, and some form of compensation arranged should the damage be proved to have been caused by this ammunition?
Mr. Orr-EwingThe Air Ministry would be fully prepared to consider any claims for damaged nets if it transpires that explosives were improperly dumped.