Dr. Bennettasked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty what is the reason for the violent explosions in the neighbourhood of Fort Monckton and the inhabited area of Alverstoke, such as that which occurred at 11.32 on 16th July.
§ Mr. HayThere were a series of four explosions which took place in the Admiralty Mining Area on the northern edge of Ryde Sands on the 9th, 11th, 16th and 18th July. The explosions constituted a trial of underwater shock resistance. The intention to fire these charges was made known by local "notice to mariners" No. 25 dated 1st July, 1963, in the local Press and directly to the Town Clerk of Ryde and the Chief Constable, Portsmouth.