§ 33. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether, with regard to the proposal to acquire an area of land on the Berkshire Downs south of the White Horse for bombing practice, he is aware that the White Horse has been scheduled as a national monument and is a favourite holiday resort; and whether some more suitable area is available for bombing practice?
§ Mr. MONTAGUEYes, Sir; but in the event of they establishment of a range in this area there would not be the smallest likelihood of any damage whatever to the White Horse. Apart from the fact that only smoke bombs would be used, the distance between the outer edge of the bombing area and the White Horse is nearly a mile and a half, and the bombing area and the White Horse are on opposite sides of the hill. As regards the second part of the question, the whole matter is under consideration, and no decision has yet been reached.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYWill my hon. Friend also consider, apart from the danger of hitting the White Horse, that this area is used by picnicking and camping parties, and that it is one of the few places to which we can now go for that kind of recreation?
§ Mr. MONTAGUEThat is one of the matters that are under consideration.