§ 4. Mr. Vernon Bartlettasked the Under-Secretary of State for War what procedure is adopted to safeguard occupiers under Defence Regulation No. 50; and does he intend to detail special officers to reduce, as far as possible, conflicts between military and agricultural interests?
§ Mr. SandysThe procedure designed to safeguard occupiers is laid down in an Army Council Instruction. A formal notice must be served on the occupier by an officer not below field rank. Care must be taken not to damage adjoining land. Wherever possible, the occupier must be consulted and his suggestions given consideration, and if objection is raised by an occupier or agricultural authority, the War Department Land Agent and Valuer must be called in.
§ Mr. BartlettIs the Minister aware that, for example in my own constituency, most land liaison officers have been able to save a great deal of money, and will he be prepared to consider the extension of the system of land liaison officers to other commands?
§ Mr. SandysI am aware of the experiment which has been made, and I understand it has been successful. The extension of this arrangement is being considered.
§ Sir Joseph LambIs the hon. Gentleman aware that in some districts it has not been at all successful?