HC Deb 27 May 1976 vol 912 cc367-8W
Mr. Gordon Wilson

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what discharges from or explosions at Barry Budden Range caused widespread disturbance and alarm to the public in Dundee between 23 and 24 hours on 25th May 1976; what complaints have been received; and if he will issue a directive prohibiting all night training of a similar noise making kind in view of the proximity of the range to nearby centres of population.

Mr. Robert C. Brown

I am aware of the local anxieties caused earlier this week by weapon firings on the Barry Buddon Range. Complaints have been received from the Lord Provost of Dundee and about 50 private individuals. The disturbance seems to have been caused by the firing of mortars and anti-tank weapons, which have not recently been used on the range. No further night firings of these particular weapons are planned in the immediate future and in the meantime I will examine the matter

Number of Soldiers tried by Courts Martial Rate per 1,000 strength
World wide Munster World wide Munster
Quarter ending General Courts Martial District Courts Martial Total General Courts Martial District Courts Martial Total
1973
December 15 452 467 22 22 3.1 4.6
1974
March 21 464 485 1 18 19 3.3 4.0
June 12 428 440 12 12 3.5 2.55
September 20 424 444 24 24 3.0 5.14
December 9 436 445 2 21 23 3.1 5.0
1975
March 24 435 459 19 19 3.2 4.13
June 7 415 422 24 24 2.9 5.17
September 17 483 500 12 12 3.4 2.57
December 18 466 484 23 23 3.3 4.9
1976
March 22 456 478 4 4 3.3 0.87

Mr. Freud

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many men from BAOR barracks at Munster have been absent

further and in particular the scope for improvements in the system of advanced notices of firing for the public.