HC Deb 07 July 1909 vol 7 cc1199-200
Mr. FELL

inquired of the Secretary of State for War if he sold in the month of May last the disused fort at Bembridge, in the Isle of Wight, known as Steyne Wood Battery, with 12 acres of freehold land adjoining; if the land cost the War Office £1,300; if it was sold for £700; and if the suitability of the site for a garage for dirigibles and aeroplanes, and for any other possible uses, had been taken into account before the sale was made?

The JUNIOR LORD of the TREASURY (Mr. J. H. Whitley)

The property to which the hon. Member refers was purchased 19 years ago for £1,500, and sold in May last for £700. The advisability of the sale from the point of view of any military requirements was, of course, carefully considered.

Mr. FELL

Was every possible use to which the building could be put taken into account; and is it not likely that the property will be repurchased by the War Office?

Mr. WHITLEY

I think that point has already been answered by the words "from the point of view of any military requirements."