§ 3.46 p.m.
§ LORD CARRINGTONMy Lords, perhaps in response to the noble Lord, Lord Chalfont, your Lordships would wish me to repeat a Statement which has been made by the Home Secretary in another place. It reads as follows:
"I regret to have to inform the House that at 12.40 p.m. to-day an explosion occurred in the Headquarters officers' mess, 16th Parachute Brigade, at Aldershot.
"Seven people were killed: one officer, five female and one male civilian on the staff. At least 13 are injured: nine officers, one staff sergeant and three further civilians on the mess staff.
"The police are investigating with the utmost urgency and in the meantime I have no further details.
"I am sure the House will wish to convey its sympathy to the relatives of those killed and those who have been injured in this tragic incident."
§ LORD CHALFONTMy Lords, I am sure I speak for your Lordships' House 419 when I thank the noble Lord the Defence Secretary for repeating this Statement. This is a terrible tragedy, and I should like to associate noble Lords on this side of the House with the sympathy which has been expressed to the relatives of those killed and to those who have been injured in this tragic accident. For obvious reasons, it would be irresponsible to comment any further at this moment, but I believe that everyone in this House will feel a deep sense of shock and dismay at the news which the noble Lord has given to the House.
§ LORD GLADWYNMy Lords, I should like simply to associate myself and my colleagues on these Benches with what the noble Lord, Lord Chalfont, has said.