HC Deb 09 February 1937 vol 320 cc197-8
16. Mr. Channon

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the proposal of the War Office to purchase a plot of land in the residential area of Leigh-on-Sea for the purpose of erecting a Territorial drill hall for an antiaircraft battery is causing considerable dissatisfaction among the residents; and can he give an assurance that the site will be used only for drilling and that no gun-firing will at any time take place?

Mr. Cooper

Yes, Sir. I understand that there is some apprehension, on the part of the residents in the area, that the proposed establishment there of a Territorial Army headquarters will impair the amenities of the district, and I am glad to have this opportunity of removing a misunderstanding on the point. The site selected is the only suitable one in the neighbourhood. The building to be erected on it is the headquarters of a Territorial Army anti-aircraft gun battery, in which gun drill will be carried out but no gun firing with live or even blank ammunition will take place. The district, therefore, will be no more injuriously affected thereby than the numerous other residential areas, in London and elsewhere throughout the country, where the needs of anti-aircraft defence have rendered it necessary to establish Territorial Army headquarters.

Mr. Channon

While thanking my right hon. Friend for his reply, may I ask whether the alternative sites were all proved to be unsuitable?

Mr. Cooper

Yes, Sir.

Mr. James Griffiths

Why was the same consideration which is now being shown to this place not shown to Lleyn, North Wales, some time ago?

Mr. Maxton

Can the Minister say whether this particular group of Territorials will have opportunities of practising gunnery somewhere, and whether consideration will be given to the residents in that other place?

Mr. Cooper

Every possible consideration is given to the interests of residents wherever gunnery has to take place, but we have to find somewhere for practice in this comparatively small island. The representations of a district are all taken into consideration.

Major-General Sir Alfred Knox

Surely the residents of Leigh-on-Sea ought to be very proud to have a Territorial battery there.