HC Deb 02 April 1936 vol 310 cc2131-2
64 and 65. Sir FRANCIS FREMANTLE

asked the Minister of Health (1) whether he will inquire into the reasons why an application by the Surrey Territorial Army Association for the acquisition of premises as a depôt has been refused by the housing and town planning committee of the Wimbledon Borough Council; and whether he has approved such grounds of refusal;

(2) whether he will inquire into the reasons why recent proposals by the Surrey Territorial Army Association to acquire premises for an anti-aircraft unit at Redhill have been refused by the local town-planning authority; and whether he has approved such grounds of refusal?

Sir K. WOOD

I understand that both the Wimbledon and the Reigate Borough Councils have objected to the proposal of the Surrey Territorial Army Association to establish new premises on selected sites in their areas on the ground that this use of the sites in question would not be in keeping with the proposals of the planning schemes in course of preparation. I am advised, however, that the provisions of planning schemes are not enforceable against property owned and occupied for Crown purposes, and it, therefore, appears that while the Association quite properly consulted the planning authorities, the consent of those authorities is not necessary.

Sir F. FREMANTLE

Does that mean that the territorial association can go ahead without any leave from the local town planning committee?

Sir K. WOOD

That is what I am advised.

66. Sir F. FREMANTLE

asked the Minister of Health whether he will use his powers under the Housing and Town Planning Act or otherwise to facilitate the provision of drill halls or other premises for the use of the Territorial Army in areas of growing population under development in and around towns?

Sir K. WOOD

I have no powers to facilitate the provision of premises for the use of the Territorial Army and I assume that what my hon. Friend has in mind is that I should see that no unnecessary obstacles are put in the way of the Army by local authorities. I would refer him to the answer I have just given and add that I am not aware that the Territorial Army are encountering difficulties from local authorities in securing what premises they need.

Sir F. FREMANTLE

Does it really come into touch with the proposal that the Minister himself has made with regard to the difficulties of getting social centres in these large housing areas, in which the Territorial hall is generally one of the most useful centres—[HON. MEMBERS: "Speech!"]x2014;and is it not possible for the right hon. Gentleman—

Mr. SPEAKER

This is a very long supplementary question.