HC Deb 21 June 1991 vol 193 cc359-60W
Mr. John Browne

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what steps he took to satisfy himself beyond all reasonable doubt that the finding of the board of inquiry into the accident at Batus, Canada, on 7 July 1989 that no one is to blame for the incident was based upon proper investigation and well-founded evidence as heard by the board of inquiry;

(2) what steps he took to satisfy himself beyond all reasonable doubt that the finding of the board of inquiry into the accident at Batus, Canada, of 7 July 1989, that the soldiers were adequately briefed for the execution of their task was based upon proper investigation and well-founded evidence as heard by the board of inquiry.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

The board of inquiry into the accident at the Batus range on 7 July 1989 was convened and conducted in accordance with the procedures laid down in Queens Regulations for the Army 1975 and the Board of Inquiry (Army) Rules 1956. The board's findings were considered and accepted by the relevant authorities in the chain of command.

Mr. John Browne

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which country accepted responsibility under paragraph 28 of part IV of the exchange of notes between Her Majesty's Government and the Government of Canada of 26 November 1979, for the clearance of, including the removal of unexploded rounds from, the area of land in Batus, Canada, upon which Grenadier Guardsmen Adrian Hicks, John Ray and Sean Povey were ordered to spitlock a trench on 7 July 1989.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

The general agreements in the exchange of notes under which United Kingdom forces use the Batus range are amplified by the range standing orders. These cover the clear-up procedures that take place after each exercise, including the requirement for the disposal of unused or unexploded munitions. The responsibility for the clear-up rests jointly with Batus staff and the forces who have undertaken the training exercise.

Mr. Winnick

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will state the date of entry into the Army of Guardsmen Sean Povey, Adrian Hicks and John Ray and their respective ages at the time.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

It is not my Department's practice to release personal information without the prior consent of the individuals concerned.

Mr. Winnick

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when a Minister last visited the training site in Canada where Guardsmen Povey, Hicks and Ray were serving in June and July 1989.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

The last visit by a Minister to the Batus training area was made in July 1989 by my right hon. Friend the Member for Ayr (Mr. Younger) when Secretary of State for Defence.

Mr. Winnick

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received that the board of inquiry into the circumstances which led to the serious injuries of Guardsmen Povey, Hicks and Ray in July 1989 be reconvened.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

I have received several letters and questions from hon. Members on behalf of the three soldiers. The question of reopening the board of inquiry was also addressed in the House in an Adjournment debate on 3 June at columns 129–36.