HC Deb 10 February 1969 vol 777 cc229-30W
Mrs. Ewing

asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many local civilians are employed at the Inchterf defence establishment;

(2) what is the total of military personnel attached to the Inchterf defence establishment.

Mr. Boyden

It is not the practice to disclose details of the staff of individual defence research and development establishments.

Mrs. Ewing

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what was the total cost of the Inchterf defence establishment in 1967–68; and what is the estimated cost in 1968–69.

Mr. Boyden

It is not the practice to publish details of the amounts spent on particular research and development establishments.

Mrs. Ewing

asked the Secretary of State for Defence why the Inchterf defence establishment was situated close to major centres of population.

Mr. Boyden

The Inchterf site was acquired by the War Office in 1938 when the population of Kirkintilloch was less than it is now and before there was any expectation of expansion in the area. Before its acquisition by the War Office the site was used as a range by a manufacturer of naval equipment.

Mrs. Ewing

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what action he will take to reduce the annoyance to the inhabitants of Kirkintilloch and area caused by explosions at the Inchterf defence establishment.

Mr. Boyden

Firing at the range is at all times kept to the minimum consistent with the requirements of the programme. Particular care is taken in this respect in certain weather conditions, when the noise is most noticeable.

Mrs. Ewing

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will take steps to compensate Dunbartonshire householders, business firms and local authorities for damage caused by explosions from the Inchterf defence establishment.

Mr. Boyden

All claims for compensation are considered on their merits.

Mrs. Ewing

asked the Secretary of State for Defence why the defence establishment at Inchterf was removed to that location from the south-east of England.

Mr. Boyden

Inchterf was acquired in 1938 for the special purpose of propellant proof and the matching of propellants manufactured for the Army and Navy.

Mrs. Ewing

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will give an assurance that the work at Inchterf defence establishment constitutes no risk to the neighbouring civilian population.

Mr. Boyden

Yes.