HC Deb 30 March 1960 vol 620 cc140-1W
78. Mr. Hayman

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will make a statement on the drowning of three soldiers at Westward Ho! recently; and, in view of the report of the inquest at which it was revealed that Army safety regulations had been ignored, what steps he will take to ensure observance of these regulations.

Mr. P. Browne

asked the Secretary of State for War what report he has received about the recent accident at Westward Ho! in which three soldiers were drowned; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Soames

Two amphibious vehicles sank near the beach at Westward Ho! during training on 15th March and three members of the Royal Army Service Corps were drowned. Two others reached land in safety. I should like to avail myself of this opportunity to express my sympathy with the families of the men who lost their lives.

At an inquest on 23rd March a verdict of death by misadventure was recorded. The accident and possible breaches of regulations connected with it are being investigated by a military board of inquiry which has not yet reported.