§ 22. Mr. THOMAS WILLIAMSasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what area on the Lincolnshire coast it is proposed to utilise as a practice bombing station for the Royal Air Force; whether it is proposed to evacuate the occupied villages in the area; and, if so, on what basis compensation will be paid?
§ Sir P. SASSOONThis area comprises the sandhills extending southwards for about five miles from Saltfleet Haven to the coastguard station with the adjacent sea frontage and two other small adjacent areas. There are no villages within this area, and the last two parts of the question therefore do not arise.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIs the right hon. Member not aware that the area is used by people who are holidaying, and does he not think that there will be danger to the civilian population in any part of the area if such practice takes place?
§ Sir P. SASSOONI do not think that that comes under this particular question.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIs it not more desirable to indulge in these doubtful practices at sea?
§ Mr. LOUIS SMITHHaving regard to the large number of children who visit this area, is there not an added danger owing to this practice of bombing?
§ Sir P. SASSOONWhen bombing take place every possible safeguard is of course taken.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSCannot the Undersecretary find some place in Kent; in his own Parliamentary division?
§ Mr. THORNEMay I ask when the Government are going to economise in this direction?