§ Mr. Bob RussellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will establish a national register of unexploded bombs from the Second World War, available for public inspection; and if he will make a statement. [126952]
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§ Mr. Mike O'BrienDuring the Second World War local authorities were responsible for maintaining records of the locations of unexploded ordnance. Although some local authorities destroyed the details they held, some information is still available through the Public Record Office.
In 1997 the Home Office collated details of information from a variety of sources including emergency services, local authorities and the military. It had been intended to publish the information, but this was not pursued when it became evident that there were unexplained contradictions in the data and it could not be relied upon as either accurate or comprehensive. Because of this it would not be sensible to establish a national register as proposed.
We do, however, search the information if asked by individuals, local authorities or building contractors.