HC Deb 11 February 1941 vol 368 c1207
10. Major Sir Edward Cadogan

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in the national interest, he will circulate to troops operating over the countryside instructions as to how to avoid unnecessary damage to woods, fields and farm buildings, besides danger to cattle, for which quite unintentionally they are sometimes responsible?

Captain Margesson

A pamphlet containing appropriate instructions on the subject, and prepared in consultation with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and the Department of Agriculture for Scotland, has been widely distributed in the Army. In addition, commanding officers are instructed to take every possible step to minimise damage and to impress on all ranks their responsibility in this matter. Further, compensation officers, with a thorough knowledge of farming requirements, have been appointed to corps, divisions and brigades, and they act as advisers to commanders and give lectures to the troops. They are also to give lectures to Officer Cadet Training Units.

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