§ Captain Pluggeasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the death of a 13-year old boy, Kenneth Bond, of Gosport, Hampshire, who was killed when a shell which he found in a creek exploded in his arms; and what steps are taken to ensure that civilians are not brought into contact with unexploded ammunition?
§ Sir J. AndersonYes, Sir. This tragic accident was due to the boy finding an old type of shell, presumed to be a relic of the last war, and striking it several times against a railing, with the result that it exploded. No special precautions by the authorities could have prevented this tragedy; but my hon. and gallant Friend may rest assured that all practicable steps are being taken to minimise the dangers to the public of contact with unexploded ammunition.