§ Mr. WelshTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many explosive devices have been found at Lunan bay; what is their origin; and how they came to be at Lunan bay. [32536]
§ Mr. SoamesSome 600 world war two practice bombs have been discovered at Lunan bay. Their presence is consistent with the beach being used as a practice bombing range. Complete records of wartime activity are not available, but a surviving 1940 RAF air navigation chart indicates a bombing range at Lunan bay.
§ Mr. WelshTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the numbers of explosive devices still to be uncovered at Lunan bay; and if he will make a statement. [32539]
§ Mr. SoamesA reconnaissance is to be conducted at Lunan bay by 33 Engineer Regiment to assess the situation.
§ Mr. WelshTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what types of explosive devices have been found at Lunan bay; and if he will list the number and purpose of each type of explosive device. [32537]
§ Mr. SoamesRemnants of some 600 101b, 11.51b and 251b world war two practice bombs have been uncovered at Lunan bay. The practice bombs were used to test aircraft and crews for all aspects of bombing operations.
§ Mr. WelshTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many of the explosive devices found at Lunan bay have been live; and how they were disposed of. [32538]
§ Mr. SoamesExplosive ordnance disposal teams have treated all remnants of world war two practice bombs as if they may have some residual active component, and disposed of them by controlled detonation using standard procedures.