§ Mr. Doddsasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the concern that has arisen as the result of the discovery of landmines on holiday resort beaches; and what action is being taken to minimise the danger and restore the confidence of the public.
§ Mr. HeadThe very few accidents which have occurred in the last nine52W years, including the tragic case which the hon. Member has in mind, have usually been caused by mines washed up from the sea. A fresh general search would not overcome this risk and would mean closing beaches to holiday makers for long periods. I do not think it would be practicable to do this nor would it eliminate the main risk. It is of great importance that anyone who finds any suspicious looking object on the beach should leave it alone and report it at once to the police.