HC Deb 02 July 1928 vol 219 cc977-8
49. Mr. W. THORNE

asked the Secretary of State for War if he has received any complaints from local residents regarding the encroachment by the military authorities on parts of Woolwich Common, which have been used for many years by the public; and the number of acres owned by the War Department, and the number of acres which are considered part of the rights of the public?

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

Yes, Sir. My right hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health has just forwarded to me a complaint from one of his constituents. As regards the second part of the question, the whole of Woolwich Common is War Department property. Although there are no public rights over it, the War Department policy is to allow the public to use it freely so far as military requirements permit.