HC Deb 20 March 1945 vol 409 cc617-9
24. Mr. E. P. Smith

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of the educational establishments in the county of Kent requisitioned by his Department; and when any of these are likely to be de-requisitioned.

Sir J. Grigg

A list is being compiled and I will send it to the hon. Member. It will, I regret, be necessary to keep many of the schools for some time to meet essential military needs, but individual schools will be released from time to time, and, in any case, as soon as circumstances permit.

Mr. Smith

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that the county of Kent has suffered more at the hands of the enemy than any other county, and will he give it special priority in the matter of de-requisitioning?

Sir J. Grigg

Yes, Sir, but I do not see why my hon. Friend should class the action of the War Office in the same category as enemy action.

Mr. Smith

It is practically the same.

28. Sir Ralph Glyn

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the troop training areas that were taken over under Defence Regulations for the U.S. forces in Berkshire and the neighbouring counties may now be altogether released, and instructions issued that fences that were cut and prepared for A.F.V. movements be now repaired and replaced so that farmers may be able to keep livestock and carry on normal farming.

Sir J. Grigg

The answer to the first part of the Question is, "No, Sir." Requirements for training areas are, however, kept constantly under review, and these areas will be released as soon as conditions permit. It some areas it has been possible to discontinue armoured training, but they have been retained for infantry training. Repair parties have been, and are continuing to carry out the work of making good damage to fences in these areas.

29. Sir R. Glyn

asked the Secretary of State for War what instructions have been issued to district claims officers in regard to arranging for the removal of defence works, dismantling of any erections for troop training, and the restoration of fences and buildings that have been interfered with and which impede agricultural work, so that farming operations may be no longer hampered; and whether the retention of these areas for purposes other than those for which they were requisitioned may be reconsidered.

Sir J. Grigg

The normal practice in the case of land requisitioned for training is to pay compensation under Section 2 (1) (b) of the Compensation Act on derequisition. But if a large requisitioned area has been so severely damaged as to make initial restoration impracticable by the former occupants, and if the restoration of the area to agriculture is necessary in the national interest, arrangements are concerted with other Departments for such minimum repairs to be carried out as will allow the occupants to resume their activities. Claims arising from damage caused on land used for training under Defence Regulation 52 are considered by district claims officers who are located throughout the country. In appropriate cases they pay compensation. As regards the removal of defence works, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Wellingborough (Wing-Commander James) on 27th February.

39. Mr. Frankel

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that his Department retains possession of the farmhouse, at a place of which he has been informed, as a dormitory for officers; that, while suitable alternative accommodation is available for these officers, the farmer and his family, six in all, are deprived of their house and crowded into a two-bedroomed bungalow needed for a workman; and if he will take steps to release this accommodation.

Sir J. Grigg

This farmhouse forms an essential part of a block of accommodation for which there is a definite military commitment. There is, I am informed, no suitable alternative. If, however, the hon. Member can give me details of the alternative accommodation he mentions I will certainly have the matter investigated again. Incidentally, I understand the farm was bought by its present owner after it had been requisitioned.

Mr. Frankel

Is the Minister aware that after these officers leave in the morning for their duties the house is unoccupied for the rest of the day until late at night, when these officers come back to sleep, while the people working the farm are short of that accommodation all day long?

Sir J. Grigg

Officers are entitled to somewhere to sleep and somewhere to have their meals.