HC Deb 18 February 1947 vol 433 cc958-60
18. Mr. Watkins

asked the Secretary of State for War why he could not supply the hon. Member for Brecon and Radnor, on 4th February, information as to land requirements in Welsh counties, in view of the fact that the Public Relations Department of the Western Command gave this information on 3rd February which was broadcast in the Welsh Regional news that evening.

Mr. J. Freeman

the land requirements of the Services are at present under discussion by the Interdepartmental Committee, and in many cases are also being examined in conjunction with local authorities and other interests. Until this consideration is complete and its results have been examined by the Cabinet, no useful purpose would be served by announcing details of the various proposals made. The publication in Western Command of certain provisional proposals affecting that command was premature and is regretted.

Sir Henry Morris-Jones

Will the hon. Member indicate when the Government will be in a position to give these figures? Is he aware that a national conference has been arranged in Wales by the Welsh Parliamentary Party, and that we should like to have them before that date?

Mr. Freeman

As there is a Question on the Order Paper to the Prime Minister this afternoon, the question could perhaps be left until then.

Mr. Watkins

Can the information given in that statement now be regarded as correct?

Mr. Freeman

The statement was un-authorised. I have nothing to add.

Mr. David Grenfell

Will my hon. Friend say whether that statement which appeared was true or untrue?

Mr. Freeman

The statement cannot possibly be true as it stands, because the whole matter is being considered. It may well be that some previous information of our hopes may have been published, but whether those hopes will be met is another matter altogether.

Mr. Grenfell

Before my hon. Friend and his right hon. Friend decide finally, will they consult the representatives of Wales in this House?

Mr. Freeman

Certainly, Sir.

31. Mr. Watkins

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of acres of land it is proposed to acquire permanently for battle training in Breconshire; how much they now hold permanently; how much of the total acreage is enclosed land; how much is included in the proposed National Park; how many acres are classed as good agricultural land; and how much of it was cultivated during the period of the last war.

Mr. Bellenger

As has already been stated the whole question of Services land requirements is under consideration and it is not yet possible to give particulars either for the country as a whole or for individual counties.

Mr. Watkins

Can my right hon. Friend advise me how my constituents can give evidence before the inter-Departmental Committee and local enquiries unless they get this information?

Mr. Bellenger

I think the existing machinery gives every possibility for the local people to know precisely what it is that the War Office or other Service Departments may want.

Mr. Watkins

What is the local machinery?

Mr. Bellenger

I could answer that question but I am afraid Mr. Speaker would not allow me to occupy the time of the House by giving the information now.

Mr. Hopkin Morris

If the right hon. Gentleman is unable to give the figures because the matter is under consideration, can I ask why the Public Relations Officer of Western Command has issued the figures to the Press?

Mr. Bellenger

That has not been brought to my notice, but. it would be quite irregular if he had done so.

Mr. Watkins

Owing to the extremely unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.