§ 13. Captain MACNAMARAasked the Secretary of State for War whether existing facilities for training and firing practice at the anti-aircraft camp, Watchet, are sufficient to meet the requirements of the increased number of anti-aircraft brigades approved and contemplated?
Mr. COOPERNo, Sir. The existing practice camp at Watchet reached the limit of its capacity last year, and as it is incapable of expansion, it was necessary in 1935 to make temporary arrangements for certain units to practice in the Isle of Wight. Since then the whole question has been carefully considered, and I am satisfied that, to provide for the efficient training of the additional units in process of being raised under the Government's programme for expanding this important branch of our defences, a second permanent camp must be formed this year, and a third in 1937. A large number of districts have been examined, but so far only one has been found which meets the full requirements of the military and air 1801 force authorities concerned, and where the establishment of a practice camp would be likely to cause a minimum of interference with the activities of the local civilian population. This district is at Weyhourne in Norfolk, and immediate steps are being taken to acquire a site there so that training can begin this summer. Meanwhile, reconnaissance for a third site is still in progress in the North of England for anti-aircraft units to be formed in that area.