HC Deb 01 August 1944 vol 402 cc1145-6
17. Sir Ralph Glyn

asked the Secretary of State for War, in view of the importance of the forthcoming harvest, if training areas taken over under Defence Regulations 51 and 52, or such portions of them more distant from standing camps can now be released from use for military training owing to the changed circumstances, due to the campaign in Normandy having reduced the pressure on space for training in the United Kingdom.

Sir J. Grigg

I fully appreciate the importance to food production of the areas held under these Defence Regulations. This question has been for some time carefully considered by the War Office and the Ministry of Agriculture in the light of the changed conditions in this country, and several hundreds of thousands of acres have already been given up. I anticipate that, during the next few months and before the winter, a good deal more land will become available for derequisition. The nature and extent of the releases, however, must depend on operational factors.

Sir R. Glyn

Will the right hon. Gentleman convey to the authorities concerned the importance of not going through standing crops immediately before harvest, but, if possible, to stick to the bare fallows because matters of that kind can easily be put right? Will he also convey to the United States authorities the gratitude of owners and occupiers for the care that has been shown?

Sir J. Grigg

I will certainly do the second, and I will consider the first.

29. Mr. E. J. Williams

asked the Secretary of State for War whether steps are being taken to release from requisition property which has become vacant.

Sir J. Grigg

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Lincoln (Mr. Liddall) on 25th July.

Mr. Sorensen

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some of this property which has been released is still vacant, while there are families in the district in need of accommodation?

Sir J. Grigg

If it is released it has passed out of my control.

Mr. Sorensen

Can the right hon. Gentleman say under whose control it is?

Sir J. Grigg

I cannot say that.