§ 31. Sir PERCY HURDasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office 1567 whether, following upon representations made to his Department by the Wiltshire Members of Parliament and others, he can now make a further statement regarding the use of the Wiltshire Downs for machine-gun practice?
§ 32. Mr. GRIMSTONasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if, following on the meeting which took place at the War Office, on 31st March, between the Under-Secretary of State, and other War Office authorities, and the Wiltshire Members of Parliament, he can now make a further statement with, regard to the proposed machine-gun ranges on the Wiltshire Downs?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Duff Cooper)In order to make the fullest and most economical use of the ranges, it is necessary to frame the programmes of practice well in advance, and I am afraid it would not be possible, without grave inconvenience to all the units concerned, to modify the arrangements already made for this year. My Noble Friend, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, had the pleasure of receiving a few days ago a deputation of my hon. Friends principally interested, and of hearing the representations made on behalf of the Commons, Open Spaces and Footpaths Preservation Society and others. In deference to the views expressed, I am glad to promise that the Army Council, before sanctioning any programme for future years, will consider whether it may be possible to move the Hill Farm Range further eastwards so as to minimise the interference with public access to the Downs. They will also consider whether it will be possible to arrange the firing programme for future years so that a period round the Whitsun Holiday shall be left free, and the firing practices terminate as long as possible before the August Bank Holiday.
§ Mr. SMITHERSWill the hon. Gentleman say how farmers are to move their stock over this part of the Downs when firing is going on?
§ Mr. COOPERThat is a matter for inquiry on the spot.