HC Deb 17 November 1942 vol 385 cc195-6
70. Mr. Boothby

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in selecting sites for new naval aerodromes, due regard is paid to the undesirability of requisitioning valuable agricultural land?

Captain Pilkington

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Boothby

Can my hon. and gallant Friend say whether, in the recent case to which I directed his attention, he is satisfied that the very valuable stretch of land which he is taking over for the purpose of establishing a training school is necessary for the war effort, and that no alternative site could be found for this purpose?

Captain Pilkington

Yes, Sir. It was with the greatest reluctance that we took this particular piece of ground, and I can assure my hon. Friend that every possible alternative site was considered first.

Mr. Austin Hopkinson

May we have an assurance that the efficiency of the Fleet Air Arm will be regarded as paramount to every other consideration?

Captain Pilkington

Yes, Sir, I agree that that is the most valuable consideration we have to take into account.