HC Deb 05 November 1946 vol 428 cc214-5W
80. Mr. Snadden

asked the Secretary of State for War the tonnage, by categories and types, of explosive and ammunition still in store in the depot in Perthshire; the present rate of removal in tons weekly; and the estimated date by which removal will be completed.

Mr. Bellenger

At present 500 tons are being removed a week and removal should, I estimate, be completed in 1949.

Following are the particulars at 1st September:

Categories. Types. Tonnage.
A Gun Ammunition 20,661
AA 20,842
B 8,233
C Grenades, Bombs, Mines 11,093
CC 3,397
D Smoke 4,376
E Explosives Chemical 6,278
CW Chemical 7,459
SAA Small Arms 7,856
Total 90,195 tons.

81. Mr. Snadden

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of claims in the counties of Perth and Stirling for compensation for the poisoning of cattle or other livestock by poison gas or other warlike stores; the numbers of cattle, sheep, poultry and horses involved; the number of dairy herds destroyed; and the total amount of compensation claimed to date.

Mr. Bellenger

Eighty claims have been received involving 2,438 cattle (including seven dairy herds destroyed), 11,527 sheep, 15 horses and 445 poultry. Investigation showed that 350 of the poultry for which claims were intimated were not involved in any possibility of poisoning from warlike stores. The remaining cases are still being investigated. The total compensation so far claimed is £92,880.

82. Mr. Snadden

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps are being taken to prevent the continued contamination of pasturage and crops by poison gas, or other emanation, from the explosives and ammunition stored in the counties of Perth and Stirling; how many additional cases have been notified since 25th June, 1946, and where they are situated.

Mr. Bellenger

No burning of any ammunition stores of the kind referred to has been carried out since February of this year. I understand that grazing and feeding trials have shown that the area is free from contamination. No reports have been received of cases occurring since 25th June.