§ Dr. Bennettasked the Secretary of State for War what was the cause of the large explosion in the shallow water off Bembridge in the neighbourhood of the coastal batteries at Nodes Point at about noon on Wednesday, 24th August; and what damage or casualties were caused.
§ Mr. HeadBetween 10 a.m. and 12.30 p.m. on 24th August the biennial proving of the coast artillery guns was carried out. Four sand filled practice shot were fired, two at long and two at short range. These shells do not explode and the noise to which my hon. Friend refers may have been the echo of gunfire from the water. Firing notices were published and sent to all the local authorities on 2nd August, and no damage or casualties have been reported.