HC Deb 10 November 1937 vol 328 cc1767-9
41. Mr. Lipson

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that his decision to establish an equipment depot at Bishop's Cleeve, in the County of Gloucester, means the loss to agriculture of three to four hundred acres of fertile land; and whether he will now reconsider the matter and select instead an alternative site at Quedgeley, not open to this objection, using, if need be, compulsory powers to acquire the land required?

42. Mr. C. Wilson

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what are the several grounds upon which some of the most fertile land in England is to be taken for a munition depot; and why the site at Quedgeley, Gloucestershire, used during the War for munition purposes, and provided with railway sidings, canal, sewerage, and electricity, is passed over for a site where none of these provisions exist and can only be provided at considerable cost?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

The decision to establish an equipment depot at Bishop's Cleeve was arrived at after careful consideration of the strategic and other requirements involved and after a thorough investigation of a possible alternative site at Quedgeley had been carried out. The land at Quedgeley used during the War for munition purposes would have accommodated only a small part of the depot, and the acquisition of as much (and as valuable) agricultural land, namely, between 250 and 300 acres, would have been involved, as at Bishop's Cleeve. The provision of railways, other communications, and electricity, can be as easily and cheaply provided at Bishop's Cleeve as at Quedgeley. On the other hand, there were objections from landowners at Quedgeley and none at Bishop's Cleeve, and further delay in the provision of adequate storage for new equipment could not be justified.

Mr. Lipson

Did my hon. and gallant Friend consult the Minister of Agriculture before coming to a decision on this question?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

No, Sir.

Mr. Leslie Boyce

Will the Department be prepared to receive further representations from the borough councils and also the members of the county council before a final decision is taken?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

Perhaps my hon. Friend will approach me on that subject, but I can hold out no hope at all that the decision will be rescinded.

Mr. Wilson

Is it in the national interest that some of the best agricultural land in the country should be used for this purpose?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

It is very difficult to avoid taking agricultural land for these things. You have either got to have them in urban centres or in rural districts. If you have them in rural districts, you have to take agricultural land, but we do not seek out the best agricultural land for that purpose.

Sir Joseph Nall

Was the site selected by officers of the Department or by a firm of estate agents who are constantly breaking up new country?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

I am prepared to take all responsibility for the inspection and selection of the land.

Sir J. Nall

Will my hon. and gallant Friend say whether it is a fact that this place was selected by officers of the Department or by a firm of estate agents?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

I do not intend to enter into arty detail—[HON. MEMBERS; "Oh!"]—-and the House is not entitled to draw any deductions from it at all. The selection of this particular site was undertaken by responsible people of the Department, and I am prepared to take all the responsibility.

Sir J. Nall

Does not my hon. and gallant Friend think it rather singular that this particular firm always choose virgin areas of territory, where building developments will follow?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

I do not know anything about the particular firm to which my hon. Friend alludes. I have no responsibility for that firm whatever.

Sir Percy Harris

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman speaking for himself or for the Secretary of State? Is not the Secretary of State really responsible, and not the Under-Secretary?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

Of course, I am speaking here on behalf of the Secretary of State. It is obvious that I answer questions here on behalf of him and not in my individual capacity.

Mr. De la Bère

Is not the whole matter very unsatisfactory?

Mr. Lipson

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg leave to give notice that I intend to raise this matter on the Adjournment.