§ 82. Mr. KELLYasked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that in the region of Halton Camp, Wendover, boards have been put up at the instance of the commanding officer to the effect that no person is allowed on the hills without a permit; whether this order has been issued with his knowledge and sanction; whether he is aware that there are a number of public field-paths in this district; and whether he will give instructions that the right of public access is to be maintained?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Sir Philip Sassoon)The Royal Air Force camp at Halton is regulated by by-laws, which contain an explicit provision that there shall be no interference with public rights of way, and I am informed that this provision has been carefully observed. Notice boards have been in existence for some years, for the purpose both of indicating the rights of way and of forbidding access to lands which cannot be entered without a permit. If the hon. Member will give me particulars of any case in which the use of a right of way has been prevented, I will have further inquiries made, but as at present advised I cannot admit that there has been any interference with public rights.