§ Mr. THORNEasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he is aware that a petition, signed by 200 residents in the neighbourhood of the Peninsula Firing Range, Orford, has been received by the Warrington Town Council, complaining of the danger and annoyance caused by the firing; that most of the signatories are shift-workers and the firing commences when they are about to retire for rest; that a ricocheting bullet went through the window of a house behind the range; that, after firing, spent bullets are often picked up in the gardens of the houses behind the range; whether a report has been submitted by the police who investigated these complaints; and who will be responsible for any injury or loss of life that may be caused by bullets hitting persons in the gardens or in the road behind the range?
§ Mr. COOPERA petition by residents was addressed to the town council in April last complaining of the noise caused 2237W by firing on the range. It has received very sympathetic consideration, and the local military authorities have been instructed to do everything in their power to mitigate the disturbance. As regards danger from bullets, I must refer the hon. Member to the answer which was given him on the 6th instant. There is no danger to life or property to be apprehended, and the question of compensation does not arise.