HC Deb 29 July 1924 vol 176 cc1874-5
25. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Secretary of State for War what are the War Office intentions with regard to the land they hold at Lulworth Cove?

Mr. WALSH

The War Office have decided to exercise their powers of purchase under the Acquisition of Land Acts, but this will not preclude the resumption of negotiations for a lease of the land if suitable terms can be arranged.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Are we to understand then that, having lost their cause before the Courts, the War Office are now going to fall back on those powers which were intended for the purchase of land principally for housing?

Mr. WALSH

I do not know that the War Office has lost its cause before the Courts. So long as legal rights remain, they can always be exercised by private individuals or by a Government Department. We are going to proceed under the law of the land, which enables us to acquire land by compulsion, if necessary.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

Does that mean that the War Office are going to remain in possession of this beautiful piece of country indefinitely?

Mr. WALSH

Oh, no!

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

What are you going to do?

Mr. WALSH

What we are going to do is a matter for future policy.

Sir K. WOOD

Did not the learned Judge who heard the case say that the War Office ought to vacate this land?

Mr. MACPHERSON

Has the right hon. Gentleman not stated to the House that the War Office propose to exercise their rights of purchase?

Mr. WALSH

I have also stated that that will not preclude negotiations for a lease, if a lease can be satisfactorily arranged.

Mr. MACPHERSON

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that there is strong feeling in the country that this beautiful piece of land ought not to be purchased, or even leased, for a purpose of this kind?

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