HC Deb 02 March 1967 vol 742 cc701-2
Mr. Evelyn King

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he is aware that the bodies of two boys, Peter Sale sand Lester Noyes, of Stoborough, near Wareham, were found on the Army firing range at Lulworth yesterday; if he can give any account of the incident; and if he will make a statement.

The Under-Secretary of State for Defence for the Army (Mr. James Boyden)

About 11.30 on Tuesday evening the police reported to the Lulworth Gunnery School that two boys were missing and were believed to have wandered on to the ranges. No search was possible that night, but yesterday morning, after a search in which troops and police took part, the bodies of two boys aged about 14 were found on the Heath Range. No firing had taken place on the Heath range after 1.30 p.m. on Tuesday, but there was firing on another part of Lulworth Ranges between 6 p.m. and 8.30 p.m.

There is a fence or thick hedge around the range, warning notices to the public are placed at intervals along it, and red flags are flown. I understand that an explosion caused this tragic accident, into which the Army will hold a full inquiry after the coroner's inquest. The police are already carrying out a preliminary inquiry with the Army's help.

I wish to express my deepest sympathy with the parents of the two boys.

Mr. King

I join with the hon. Gentleman in expressing deep sympathy to the parents in the sorrow they endure.

I have two further points to put to the Minister. First, will the results of this inquiry be made public? Secondly, there is a good deal of local anxiety. Is it not a fact that red flags are flown while firing takes place, but that there remains the possibility of unexploded shells remaining after the flags have been lowered?

Mr. Boyden

The results of the inquiry will be made known.

It would be improper for me to answer the second part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question since if there is to be any allocation of blame that should be left to the inquiry. It might cause more distress if premature blame were cast.