§ 2.36 p.m.
§ THE EARL OF IDDESLEIGHMy 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 IDDESLEIGHMy 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 JELLICOEI 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 BARLOCHLet it be shot away.
§ THE EARL OF IDDESLEIGHI thank the noble Earl.