THE EARL OF MANSFIELDasked His Majesty's Government, whether they are aware that a boy has just been killed near Aberfoyle, Perthshire, as the result of playing with ammunition removed from one of the numerous sheds still remaining in that area, full of explosives, unguarded, and open to any passer-by; if they will state how many of these sheds are still in Perthshire, and what is the total tonnage of explosives contained therein; what precautions, if any, are taken to prevent unauthorized access to these sheds; and what steps it is proposed to take, to remove immediately this unnecessary and intolerable clanger to the inhabitants, and particularly the children of West Perthshire.
§ LORD NATHANI am aware of this regrettable accident. As regards the second part of the question, there are in Perthshire some 7,200 sheds containing approximately 66,400 tons of ammunition. Danger notices are erected throughout the depot; items likely to be stolen are, where possible, stored in lock-ups; mobile guards patrol the depot, and broadcasts, warning the public of the dangers of interfering with ammunition, are frequent. The clearance of the ammunition is being carried out as fast as the very limited available man-power and transport facilities allow. I would however point out that the depot covers an area of 220 square miles.
House adjourned at twenty minutes past seven o'clock.