§ 22. Colonel McCALMONTasked whether the Secretary to the War Office received a letter from the hon. and gallant 162 Member for South Buckinghamshire, on or about 4th June, asking for particulars as to the proposal to take over a large area in his constituency for military purposes; whether he is aware that up to the 13th instant neither reply nor acknowledgment had been received although the work was commenced on the 10th instant; and whether he has any explanation to offer in the matter?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONA letter, as stated in the question, was received in the War Office on the 5th June, and a reply was sent on Friday last.
§ Colonel McCALMONTThat is to say, after the Debate had taken place in this House?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONYes; but I would like to point out that while this letter was sent officially to the War Office a great many other letters were sent unofficially both to myself and, I think, my right hon. Friend the Financial Secretary. The House will perhaps forgive me when I say that while in 1914 at this period of the year there were 10,000 letters a week sent to the registry at the present moment there are 265,000 a week.
Major WOODCan the right hon. Gentleman state if he has received any communication offering an alternative site?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONYes, within the last four days.
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI cannot.
§ General CROFTIs it not a fact that it is an imperative necessity to come to a decision immediately?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONYes.