RobertsMr. G. asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the disturbance, particularly to invalids, and damage to property in Pwllheli, Caernarvonshire, caused by the heavy firing from the A.A. unit at Tonfannau, Merioneth; that no attempt has been made to meet the repeated complaints of the local authority; that, although damaged property has been inspected for compensation by officers of his Department at intervals during the past two years, no payment has been made; and if he will take immediate steps to stop, or modify the direction of, firing from this unit and to compensate all those who have claims without delay.
§ Mr. HeadThere have been one or two complaints of disturbance and claims for minor damage, but no repeated complaints by the local authority. The damage inspected has not been clearly shown to be due to the gunfire and, if it were, my Department could not accept liability for damage arising in the normal circumstances of this essential training. As the hon. Member knows, the direction of firing was altered last year to reduce the possibility of blast effect at Pwllheli.