§ 41. Mr. MANDERasked the Minister of Agriculture the circumstances under which the Commissioners of Crown Lands were first of all prepared to agree to a scheme for a hill-climbing motor race track on the steep northern slope of the South Downs, and subsequently withdrew their consent in view of the public interest aroused?
§ Captain Sir GEORGE BOWYERI have been asked to reply. I think my hon. Friend is under a misapprehension. The Commissioners never gave their consent to the scheme referred to, and consequently no question of withdrawal of consent arises. The project having been submitted to the Commissioners it was their duty to give full consideration to the proposals of the promoters. The Commissioners, after investigation of the scheme, decided that it was not one which they should approve.
§ Mr. MANDERIs it not a fact that until public attention was called to the matter the Commissioners were favourable to the project, and that it was only when it came to be discussed that they took alarm?
§ Sir G. BOWYERNo, Sir. I do not think that the hon. Member can say that.