HC Deb 19 April 1950 vol 474 cc22-3W
76. Mr. Thornton-Kemsley

asked the Secretary of State for Air if he is aware that his Department's huts on Fordoun Aerodrome in the county of Kincardine are left unguarded and in some cases unlocked; that his Department's property is being taken, including live small arms ammunition; and whether, in the interests both of economy and public safety. he will accelerate the removal of these stocks and in the meantime ensure that the property of his Department is adequately safeguarded.

Mr. A. Henderson

All the small arms ammunition at Fordoun and some other stores are being removed as fast as possible, and most of the ammunition has already gone. The remainder of the stores will be removed as soon as other accommodation becomes available. The depot, which covers 107 acres, is patrolled throughout the whole of the 24 hours, but to attain full security against theft would take much more manpower than can be afforded. Two civilians were recently apprehended by the civil police and charged with stealing a small quantity of blank ammunition, which has since been recovered. This is the only case of suspected theft since May, 1948.