§ 80. Mr. Willisasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware of the great concern expressed by those bodies concerned with shipping in the Firth of Forth at the decision to bomb H.M.S. "Rodney" off Inchkeith; and whether he will arrange for this exercise to be carried out elsewhere.
Mr. DugdaleI am aware of the concern expressed by certain local interests at the proposed bombing trials against a battleship in the Firth of Forth. I am satisfied, however, that the proposed trials can be so conducted as to eliminate all danger to shipping and fishing, and inconvenience to residents in the area. The Firth of Forth is considered to be the only suitable area for these particular trials both on technical and financial grounds. A conference is being held in Edinburgh on the 13th February, at which all interests concerned will be represented and at which the concurrence