HC Deb 21 August 1945 vol 413 cc434-5
34. Lieut.-Commander Clark Hutchison

asked the Secretary of State for War what arrangements are being made for the removal of barbed wire entanglements from coastal areas and disused military training areas inland.

Mr. Lawson

In general, the military authorities are doing what they can to clear up defence works, and a good deal is being done. Special steps are being taken to effect essential clearances in coastal towns and areas, in conjunction with the local authorities. At places inland, preference is normally given to areas which require reinstatement to permit re-occupation by dispossessed inhabitants, or where the existence of wire or other obstructions is seriously interfering with food production or some other national interest.

Lieut.-Commander Hutchison

Might not enemy prisoners of war be employed in this uncomfortable task?

Mr. Lawson

I will give consideration to that matter.

Colonel Ropner

Have all the beach mines been removed from the beaches of this country?

Mr. Lawson

I cannot say, but living in an area where there have been a considerable number of beach mines, I have been astonished by the celerity with which the work was done at that place.