§ 67 and 68. Mr. Haymanasked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether he will make a statement on the damage to property at the village of Carnkie, Redruth, Cornwall, which resulted from an explosion staged by the Royal Engineers at the start of a Civil Defence exercise on Sunday, 1st December, 1957;
(2) whether the Government will pay full compensation for damage to property at the village of Carnkie, Redruth, Cornwall, resulting from an explosion staged by the Royal Engineers on Sunday, 1st December, 1957.
§ Mr. John HareAn engineer field squadron of the Territorial Army was asked to help in a civil defence exercise by producing a simulated atomic explosion. Some high explosive and oil were set off below ground level in conditions which conformed with safety regulations. I understand from preliminary inquiries that the nearest houses were not affected. I regret to say, however, that windows were broken and plaster cracked in houses about 500 yards away. Compensation will be paid for damage caused by the explosion.