HC Deb 12 July 1927 vol 208 cc1925-7
6. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Secretary of State for War what percentage of the 58,000 acres of land held, rented, leased, or otherwise at the disposal of the War Office on Salisbury Plain, and in the neighbourhood, is in use for artillery and rifle ranges?

The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Sir Laming Worthington - Evans)

Approximately 60 per cent.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

Could not some of the remaining 40 per cent. of space be used for the new buildings instead of placing them where they will obliterate the sky line at Stonehenge?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman asks the next question on the Paper, he will find the reason.

7. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Secretary of State for War what would be the additional cost of erecting the permanent War Office buildings, proposed to be built within sight of Stonehenge on Larkhill, further away from the monument and below the skyline from Stonehenge, instead of building them on the site of the present steel temporary huts as at present proposed?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

The additional cost would necessarily vary with whatever alternative site was available, but allowing for the reprovision of roads, water supply, electric lighting and other facilities existing at Larkhill and of the permanent steel and other houses already there, it is estimated that it would be between £150,000 and £200,000.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is another site at Fargo Camp which is more sheltered than Larkhill and is nearly as close to the ranges and to electric light supplies and roads and so forth; and could not these additional buildings be put up there.

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

As to the particular camp I will make further inquiries, but unless the facilities mentioned are already there the cost will be heavy.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

The right hon. Gentleman has given me an answer about removing the whole camp which I did not ask for. I am only referring to a handful of steel huts which, I want to be put on the other side. That is not going to cost £150,000.

Mr. SPEAKER

We cannot argue the matter now.