§ 2. Mr. David Mitchellasked the Minister of State for Defence whether he is aware of the accidental death of James Flynn on 14th March while working on a building site at the new Army married quarters in Aisne Road, Deepcut and what steps are being taken to prevent a recurrence, and also to help and to compensate the bereaved family.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Defence for the Army (Mr. Peter Blaker)I am, of course, aware of the 195 accidental death of Mr. Flynn and I would like to take this opportunity of extending my sympathy to his family.
The ranges nearby were closed immediately the accident was reported and will remain closed until further notice. A board of inquiry has been convened to examine fully the wider and long-term aspects of range safety in this area.
The solicitor acting on behalf of the deceased's family has given notice of a formal claim for damages and this will be dealt with as quickly as possible.
§ Mr. MitchellIs my hon. Friend aware that this is the third incident in the past five years? Is he further aware that, although the previous incidents have not involved loss of life, they have involved repairs to Army property? If there have been three incidents in five years in which property has been hit and damaged, would not my hon. Friend agree that there must be many more stray bullets which have gone into the undergrowth in the vicinity? Does not this reveal an alarming degree of negligence on the part of the Army authorities? I hope that my hon. Friend will accept liability in this instance and see that the widow and her young son are properly looked after.
§ Mr. BlakerI do not know what authority my hon. Friend has for the wide accusations he has made. It was stated at the coroner's court that there had been two previous incidents, the first five years ago and the second in May 1972. All these matters will be carefully looked into by the board of inquiry, as will the claim on behalf of the widow of the deceased.