HC Deb 06 July 1960 vol 626 cc436-7
24. Miss Vickers

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty if he will make a statement in regard to the recent fire in the Royal William Victualling Yard, Devonport.

Mr. C. Ian Orr-Ewing

On 1st July, a fire broke out on the second floor of the East Loft Bakery Block at the Royal William Yard, Devonport. The Dockyard Fire Brigade and the City of Plymouth Fire Brigade were called in and the fire was extinguished about four hours later. There were no casualties.

Investigations are still being carried out as to the cause of the fire.

Miss Vickers

While thanking my hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask him to remember that this is a very beautiful building by Sir John Rennie? I hope that he will find it possible to rebuild this section. Will he assure me that, in the meantime, while investigations are going on, no men will be dismissed?

Mr. Orr-Ewing

I am aware that this building has a very nice façade but until structural surveys have been completed it would be wrong to announce our future intentions about the building. I can assure my hon. Friend that no people will be dismissed as a result of this fire.

Sir J. Maitland

Will my hon. Friend tell me whether in this case normal fire insurance was carried?

Mr. Orr-Ewing

No. The Government Departments and Service Departments do not carry normal fire insurance. They carry their own risks.