§ Sir G. Jeffreysasked the Secretary of State for War whether is is aware that parties from the Central Ammunition Depot at Bramley, near Basingstoke, have at frequent intervals during the last six months, been burning smoke containers on Old Winchester Hill, near West Meon, Hampshire, causing clouds of ill-smelling smoke, which obscure the sky and cause annoyance to residents in the neighbourhood; why the canisters are brought to this locality for disposal; and whether he will give instructions for this nuisance to be terminated.
§ Mr. LawsonThe destruction by burning of smoke generators is part of the programme for disposing of surplus stocks of ammunition now held in this country. Very careful consideration is given to the methods of disposal and detailed instructions are issued. Where local destruction is ordered as in this particular instance, these instructions cover the selection of the most suitable site. The burning of smoke generators is restricted to periods when atmospheric conditions are likely to be most favourable and the smoke will pillar to a considerable height before dispersing, thereby avoiding dense clouds at ground level. It is essential that these operations should be carried out. I do, however, very much regret the inconvenience which is caused to local residents, and I can assure the hon. and gallant Member that every effort is made to reduce such inconvenience to a minimum.