§ 73. Viscount Hinchingbrookeasked the Secretary of State for War what was the purport of a reply sent by his Department recently to a rural district council, of which he has been informed, in connection with the de-requisitioning after the war of land now used as a battle-training area.
§ Sir J. GriggMy Noble Friend is, I think, referring to a letter written by the Regional Commissioner, after consulting the military authorities, to the Wareham and Purbeck rural district council. The land in question will certainly be needed as long as the war lasts. The Army's post-war needs are not yet known, and I regret that until they are it will not be possible to say whether this particular area will have to be retained after the war.
§ Viscount HinchingbrookeIs my right hon. Friend aware that, from the point of view of post-war holiday-makers, this area represents some of the finest natural scenery in the entire country? Further, is he aware that any attempt on the part of the War Office to maintain control of this area after the war will be strenuously resisted by the county council, and in this House?
§ Sir J. GriggI have no doubt that both of those factors will be taken into account by whoever is responsible for post-war decisions.