HC Deb 15 July 1966 vol 731 cc278-9W
Mr. Burden

asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how the fire at Chatham Dockyard on 12th July originated;

(2) if he will give an estimate of the total cost of the damage to dockyard establishments and equipment, and private property, respectively, as a result of the fire at Chatham Dockyard on 12th July, 1966;

(3) how essential production in Chatham Dockyard has been affected by fire damage on 12th July;

(4) what steps he is taking to ensure that the owners of private property that was destroyed as a result of the fire at Chatham Dockyard on 12th July will be recompensed for the loss of or damage to their property.

Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu

The cause and cost of this fire are matters for the Board of Inquiry, but I can say now that the value of the stores which were burnt was not very great, and production was not affected by the fire. Private property is brought into a dockyard at the owners' risk, but we are always prepared to consider exceptional claims without prejudice.