§ 37. Sir G. Jeffreysasked the Secretary of State for War whether it is proposed to retain as a permanent detention camp the temporary detention camp established during the war at Beech Hill, Headley Down, Hampshire; whether he is aware that the presence of this camp in what has been scheduled as a beauty spot is strongly objected to by the local residents; and whether he will cause it to be closed and demolished as soon as possible.
§ Mr. BellengerNo, Sir, when an alternative has been constructed Headley Down military prison can be given up. It will be appreciated, however, that until labour and materials can be made available, after the demands of the national housing programme have been met, it will not be possible to "begin construction. Consequently, Headley Down, which was built at considerable expense as a Canadian wartime military prison, and is at present the only suitable alternative to the prison at Aldershot, which was destroyed by fire, will have to be used for some time. The acquisition of the site is, therefore, being considered by the Interdepartmental Committee on Service Land Requirements.
§ Sir G. JeffreysIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this forest of barbed wire, enclosing the less desirable characters of the Army, is definitely detrimental to the amenities of this neighbourhood, 196 and will not he consider speeding up the possible return of this camp to its normal use?
§ Mr. BellengerYes, Sir. I will do my best. I shall be only too glad to get rid of the barbed wire and of any undesirable characters who are in the Army.