§ MR. WARNER (Staffordshire, Lichfield)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether no land has yet been acquired for a range near Whittington Barracks, near Lichfield, and no progress has been made in coming to an agreement for the purchase of the land; and could he state what obstacle has caused a delay of over a year after the site has been approved by the War Office.
§ * THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. WYNDHAM,) DoverNo land has yet been acquired, because the owners have declined to sell. It will therefore be necessary to use compulsory powers. This involves—first, a local inquiry, and second, an Act of Parliament, and the Act cannot be passed till next session. There has been no delay beyond what is inevitable when negotiation fails, and compulsion has to be used.
§ MR. WARNERIs it proposed to make all preparations, and to bring in a Bill early next year?
§ * MR. WYNDHAMWe shall certainly be desirous of bringing in a Bill as soon as possible.