§ 20. Sir A. FELLasked the Secretary of State for War what was the number of soldiers now occupying the camp on Wimbledon Common; if the greater part of the temporary wooden buildings in the camp enclosure were now derelict; if the camp occupied the finest portion of Wimbledon Common; and when would it be restored to the conservators of the common, and applied to its proper use as the principal recreation ground and lung in the neighbourhood of London?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe number of troops in occupation of the camp on Wimbledon Common is 90 officers, 1,647 other ranks. There is also a considerable quantity of stores. None of the huts is derelict. Such huts as are now vacant are being gradually occupied as battalions, recruited on a Regular basis, in- 1111 crease in strength. It is not intended to retain the camp any longer than is absolutely necessary; but, barracks in London having fallen into a state of disrepair owing to the War, I regret it is not possible to dispense with the camp at present.
§ Sir A. FELLSeeing that the camp was constructed for 5,000 or 6,000 men, and occupied by that number, may I ask whether, now that there is a very much smaller number in occupation, a large portion of the ground could not be surrendered to the conservators?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI will see that my hon. Friend is informed.
§ Colonel ASHLEYWill the right hon. Gentleman say when the repairs to the London barracks will be completed, so that we shall then have some date for the freeing of Wimbledon Common?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI am afraid I cannot. Building is very difficult nowadays. All I can say is that we shall do our very best to quit Wimbledon Common at the earliest possible moment.