HC Deb 11 March 1959 vol 601 cc1227-8
4. Mr. Mason

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the overturning of a tank in recent tests of a new gun; and, in view of the risks involved for soldiers taking part in such tests, what consultations he has had with the Minister of Supply in order to avoid further risk of this kind.

Mr. Soames

I cannot trace any such recent incident. The new 105 mm. gun is safe to fire and there is no unusual risk to the crew of a tank armed with it.

Mr. Mason

While I am glad to be assured that a recoil system has now been developed, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it is a fact that when the gun was tested on completion at Solway Firth, Dumfriesshire, it recoiled violently for twenty yards? Luckily nobody was hurt, but I should like to know what happened to the crew on that occasion. Is not it ridiculous that a test should take place in this fashion without any scientific analysis having been made beforehand to determine what the recoil would be?

Mr. Soames

I assure the hon. Member that there is no foundation whatsoever to that report.

Mr. Mason

If I obtain details of this incident, will the right hon. Gentleman look into it?

Mr. Soames

Certainly I will, but the hon. Member will not find them.