§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will initiate an inquiry into the accidental firing of a 105mm artillery shell into the village of Enford on Salisbury plain in Wiltshire, on 11 April; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanOn 11 April a 105mm artillery shell fired by 14 Field Regiment from a light gun on Salisbury plain landed outside the range danger area in the back garden of a resident in Enford. A young boy at school in Enford was hit by a piece of metal, but, fortunately, he was not injured. There were no other injuries, but there was some damage to property and windows. Claims relating to the damage to property will be handled by the Property Services Agency on my Department's behalf and a representative from the Property Services Agency has already visited the properties concerned. The claims branch in my Department is empowered to pay compensation where a causal link has been established between the loss or damage incurred and the military activity.
A preliminary investigation of the incident has been carried out. It has concluded that it was not caused by a 500W fault either in the ammunition or the gun. It is, therefore, likely that the incident was caused by an error in drill by one or more members of the gun crew.
In view of the fact that the incident is believed to have been caused by human error, artillery firing on Salisbury plain has not been suspended. The crucial importance of closely following safety procedures has been drawn to the attention of the regiment concerned. Investigations into the incident are continuing and a board of inquiry will be convened when appropriate. All incidents involving public safety are treated extremely seriously and all practical steps will be taken to find the cause of this incident and to prevent any recurrence. Further safeguards may be introduced in the light of the outcome of the board of inquiry.