§ 62. Sir JAMES BRUTONasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that an area of 25 acres of land at Gloucester Docks belonging to the Sharpness New Docks Company was taken possession of early in 1916by the Army Ordnance Department of the War Office, including practically 3 miles of dock sidings and a water frontage of 14,000 lineal yards; whether he is aware that a considerable portion of the land has been occupied ever since it was taken over for the storage of some thousands of general service wagons which have never been used, and on which a number of women have been continuously employed in painting, oiling, and cleaning them; and will he state how long the wagons will be allowed to remain, as the land on which they are stored is required for food production purposes, and projects which are now the subject of negotiation are being jeopardised by the continued occupation of the land and railways by the military authorities?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe Royal Army Ordnance Corps are in possession of land and premises at Gloucester Docks, at present used as a depot for the receipt and dispatch, both by rail and water, of large quantities of important military 1282 stores, including vehicles. I am informed that there has been a continual movement of the general service wagons, and the quantity at present held at Gloucester Docks has been reduced.
The premises when acquired in 1916 were in a dilapidated condition, and the War Department has necessarily been put to considerable expense in carrying out repairs and improvements of all kinds. Every effort will be made to distribute and dispose of the stores as speedily as possible, but I regret that I cannot hold out any prospect of the land and premises being evacuated at a very early date.
§ Sir J. BRUTONMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that most of the traffic could have been dealt with at a place served by railways, without taking up very valuable waterside premises?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI am not, of course, acquainted with the local circumstances, but I am quite certain the intention is to vacate these premises as soon as the great quantity of wagons and stores there can be removed.