HL Deb 16 March 1964 vol 256 c631

2.36 p.m.

THE EARL OF IDDESLEIGH

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the first Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the derelict armoured fighting vehicle photographed on July 23, 1963, below West Mill Tor (Okehampton Common) has yet been removed.]

THE FIRST LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY (EARL JELLICOE)

No, my Lords. This derelict vehicle is a target for the firing ranges on Okehampton. As noble Lords will appreciate, practical targets are essential for proper training on any field range.

THE EARL OF IDDESLEIGH

My Lords, would it not at least be possible to prevent it from being used as a receptacle for old tins and other rubbish, as shown in the photograph?

EARL JELLICOE

I will certainly bring my noble friend's suggestion to the attention of the military authorities. I think that most of the debris around it is, in fact, bits of the armoured fighting vehicle concerned which have been shot away.

LORD DOUGLAS OF BARLOCH

Let it be shot away.

THE EARL OF IDDESLEIGH

I thank the noble Earl.

Back to