§ 49. Mr. Ridsdaleasked the Minister of Supply if he is aware that the residents of the Clacton area are not satisfied with the compensation paid by his Department as a result of explosions at Shoeburyness; and what account his inspector took of further explosions from Foulness.
§ Mr. MaudlingI am aware that the claimants received less than they claimed and may therefore be dissatisfied. They 3W have, however, formally accepted the Department's offers after a full explanation had been given to the assessors acting for them. The inspector took full account of explosions from Foulness.
§ 50. Mr. Ridsdaleasked the Minister of Supply if he is aware that explosions at Shoeburyness and Foulness are still causing damage and anxiety to the residents of the north-east Essex coast, especially the Clacton area; and whether, when future explosions are to take place, he will send an impartial observer to the Clacton area to assess the immediate damage caused by these explosions.
§ Mr. MaudlingI much regret any disturbance that may have been caused by these explosions.
As regards the second part of the Question, an observer has, in fact, been in the Clacton area on two occasions when explosions have taken place, but he heard and felt nothing. I am, however, prepared to send an observer again.