HC Deb 20 February 1899 vol 66 cc1432-3
MR. WARNER

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War what sort of arrangement he referred to as having been made for a range near Whittington Barracks, Lichfield; if it is true that no land has been purchased near there for a range, and no contract to purchase land entered into; and, is it intended to seek compulsory powers from Parliament?

MR. WYNDHAM

I have already informed the honourable Member that a site for a range near Lichfield is among those selected as suitable for purchase by Government. In all such cases the War Office endeavours to effect a friendly arrangement, but holds in reserve compulsory powers. It hampers the action of the Government to state, in any particular case, the exact stage to which negotiations have been carried.

MR. WARNER

Has any progress been made within the last three months?

MR. WYNDHAM

We have every hope that we shall secure a range in the immediate neighbourhood of these barracks, and it would hamper our efforts, as I think the honourable Member must see, to state in public the exact stage of the negotiations.