§ 21. Sir P. Hurdasked the Secretary of State for Air what public money has been spent on the Yatesbury establishment; what further money is to be spent; and 1238 what are the intentions of the Ministry as to the future of this establishment?
§ Sir K. WoodThe estimated expenditure to the end of the current financial year on land purchase and constructional work at Yatesbury is £295,000, and a further expenditure of approximately £85,000 will be necessary to complete the establishment. In order to avoid permanent interference with the Avebury preservation scheme, it is the intention to vacate and reinstate the site when accommodation is available elsewhere.
§ Sir P. HurdDoes not my right hon. Friend consider that it is a great waste of public money to spend all this money on the Yatesbury camp, and to contemplate spending further sums, when it is the policy of the Ministry to abandon the camp in a very short time and to go elsewhere and to spend even larger sums?
§ Sir K. WoodNo, Sir, I do not accept that statement. As I daresay my hon. Friend appreciates, this matter is very urgent and must be proceeded with.