§ Mr. Proctorasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on whether the land forming 153W Wat Tyler leisure park at Pitsea, Essex, has been cleared of explosives and made safe, following the dismantling of a first world war ammunition factory.
Mr. WigginsThe Wat Tyler leisure park is understood to be situated on land at Pitsea which was purchased in 1928 for use as an Army ammunition depot, command ordnance supply depot and a sea transport store. Under previous private ownership it had been used partly as an ammunition factory. This land was sold in 1964 to Basildon urban district council, who, it was understood,154W wished to use it mainly for tipping and water recreational purposes, but also to leave part of it for industry. The council were fully aware of the previous use of the site but there is no evidence that explosives clearance was carried out before the site was sold. More recent procedures would provide for a clearance certificate to be issued at the time of sale. If the present owners have any reason to be concerned about the safety of their property and would wish to obtain advice from Defence safety experts on the action they might take I will arrange for such advice to be given.