§ 2.35 p.m.
§ VISCOUNT LONGMy Lords, I beg leave to ask His Majesty's Government the question that stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The question was as follows:
§ To ask His Majesty's Government, in view of the statement that Imber is not to be handed back under the conditions existing in 1943, what compensation is to be paid to the Diocese of Sarum for the upkeep of the church, vicarage, chapel and school, and further, what compensation is to be paid to the brewery owning the public-house.]
§ THE MINISTER OF CIVIL AVIATION (LORD NATHAN)My Lords, the arrangements to be made in this connection with the Diocese of Sarum, the trustees of the chapel and the owners of the public-house will be matters for negotiation in the ordinary course.
§ VISCOUNT LONGMy Lords, in thanking the noble Lord for his reply, may I ask whether he can give the House an assurance that, before any bombing takes place in this area, living relatives of people buried in the churchyard will have an opportunity of having their loved ones reburied at public expense in another churchyard; and, further, that there will be a chance to have the Crusader's Tomb (one of the most historic tombs in this village) taken out of the church and placed where it will be in safety?
§ LORD NATHANThose will be matters for discussion between the Lord Bishop of Salisbury and the War Office. I have no doubt that the points to which the noble Viscount refers will be given all due regard.
§ VISCOUNT LONGIn thanking the noble Lord again and apologising for 3 trespassing on your Lordships' time, I would point out that surely we have a right to know what is to happen in this village. In view of the very unsatisfactory statement that has been made by the noble Lord, I leave myself free to raise this matter at a later date. I feel that it will cause grave consternation in the country.
I now beg leave to ask His Majesty's Government the second question standing in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The question was as follows:
§ To ask His Majesty's Government what steps will be taken to ensure that adequate compensation will be paid to all farmers, gardeners and allotment holders who may suffer material damage from the residue of cement from the factory which it is now proposed to erect on a corner of the Imber training area at Westbury.]
§ LORD HENDERSONMy Lords, it will be for the courts to say whether any damage has been suffered for which compensation can be paid. I hope, however, that the question of damage will not arise, since cement manufacturers are required, under the Alkali Works Regulation Act, 1906, to instal the best practical means of dust arrestment, and the inspectors of my right honourable friend the Minister of Health are in consultation with the company.
§ VISCOUNT LONGMy Lords, I thank the noble Lord for his reply. I gave notice yesterday that I would be asking a supplementary question—namely, whether the local people would be able to submit fresh evidence on April 21 when the inquiry is held.
§ LORD HENDERSONYes; that is the purpose of the inquiry.