§ MR. CROOKS (Woolwich)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the fact that there is abundant land to build on opposite the part of Woolwich Common he proposes to take; and whether, in the interest of the public, he will consider the possibility of taking this land instead of that proposed to be taken, and thus leave the public the use of the common they have always enjoyed.
§ MR. ACLANDI can assure my hon. friend that before the present site for the Royal Army Medical Corps building was finally selected, all possible suitable sites were duly considered; the proposal to build on Eltham Common being dropped in deference to public opinion. In the case of the site now selected the erect1on of a building behind the reservoir will not in any appreciable degree interfere with the amenities of the district, special care being taken not to remove the trees.
§ MR. CURRAN (Durham, Jarrow)Is the hon. Gentleman aware that Woolwich Common is the only recreation ground for Woolwich and Plumstead, with a population of 150,000, and as there are other places which can be used for these buildings will he leave the Common alone?
§ MR. ACLANDThe Common is the freehold of the War Office, and we are careful in view of the fact stated by the hon. Member not to take more of the land than is absolutely necessary.