The Earl of MANSFIELDasked His Majesty's Government, whether they will state the total number of guards provided to prevent unauthorized access to the 7,000 odd huts in West Perthshire filled with explosives, which it is admitted occupy an area of over 200 square miles; what is the maximum, average, and minimum number of these guards, actually on duty at any one time; how many motor vehicles and pedal bicycles are available for their use; what is the longest time that any hut remains uninspected; how much night patrolling is done; and what methods are employed to detect nocturnal intruders.
§ The MINISTER of CIVIL AVIATION (Lord Nathan)Eighty-eight men are employed on guard duties in this area. In the normal way forty-three are actually on duty in the day time and thirty-five at night. Enough pedal cycles for all of them, and twelve motor cycles, are available for their use. All the shelters are periodically inspected by day and night. The watchmen keep in touch with the Orderly Warrant Officer, reporting any irregularities which arise during their tour of duty.
House adjourned at half-past six o'clock.