§ Major Kimballasked the Secretary of State for War what action he has taken with regard to the manoeuvres, including artillery firing, which took place in a certain area of which he was advised by telegram on 1st September, without previous notice to the tenants and despite the 62W objection of the county war agricultural executive committee, which caused damage to pastures, fences and stock and reduced food production; whether full compensation will be paid to the farmers concerned; whether instructions have been issued to prevent a recurrence of this damage; and whether disciplinary action has been, or will be, taken against those officers responsible.
§ Sir J. GriggI cannot accept my hon. and gallant Friend's account of the matter. The land in question was used for this exercise with the concurrence of the Department of Agriculture for Scotland, and the action of the officers concerned was therefore correct. I am informed that the second in command of the unit concerned personally warned the tenants more than 48 hours before firing started. All substantiated claims for damage will be paid in the normal way