§ 27. Mr. Cocksasked the Home Secretary whether he will consider issuing an order to all landowners or occupiers, especially in rural districts, compelling them immediately to render their land unfit for aeroplane landings except in such cases as the military authorities may decide to the contrary?
§ 32. Mr. Emeryasked the Home Secretary whether he will issue an order to landowners and occupiers forthwith that all land over two acres in extent, shall, by the placing of obstructions, be made unfit for aeroplanes to use?
§ Sir J. AndersonI would refer my hon. Friends to the answer given yesterday to a Question on the same subject by the hon. and learned Member for East Leicester (Mr. Lyons).
§ Sir J. AndersonIt was a very brief answer to the effect that the work has already been organised under the guidance of local authorities and is proceeding satisfactorily with the aid of voluntary labour.
§ Mr. CocksIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in some parts of the country this has been done very well, but that in other parts nothing at all has been done?
§ Sir J. AndersonInstructions have been issued in all areas which have been designated by the military authorities as suitable for such landings.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerHas the right hon. Gentleman made certain local authorities understand that they have the power to requisition the materials required for this work and that the Government will pay the necessary charges, because I believe that question is actually holding up the work in places where it might be done?
§ Sir J. AndersonI have been issuing instructions through the Regional Commissioners, and I believe, from what I have seen, that the matter has been made clear to local authorities concerned.
§ Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas MooreDoes this policy operate in regard to golf courses throughout the country?
§ Sir J. AndersonYes, Sir, it applies generally.
§ Brigadier-General Clifton BrownIs it not the case that there is confusion in rural areas owing to the fact that orders were given by the Air Ministry?
§ Sir J. AndersonI have no doubt that the Air Ministry are taking certain steps in regard to matters in which they are particularly concerned, but the work referred to in the Question has been the subject of instructions issued by the Ministry of Home Security.
§ Sir A. KnoxShould not the competent air or military officer decide whether these places are suitable or not in each case?
§ Sir J. AndersonThe instructions given call attention to the importance of seeking guidance from the local military or air authorities as to the lines upon which the work should be done. The function of the local authority is to organise the work, that is to say, to collect the labour and the implements necessary.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerWill the right hon. Gentleman consider sending out another circular as to the points of requisitioning and payment?
§ Sir J. AndersonCertainly, Sir. I will have those points looked into.