HC Deb 21 May 1946 vol 423 cc177-8
32. Mr. McKie

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is now in a position to make a further statement with regard to future plans for the tank training ground at Kirkcudbright, Scotland.

Mr. Bellenger

About three-quarters of this range is on land owned by the War Department. I cannot say what the future of the remainder will be until a decision has been reached on the postwar requirements of land for the Army as a whole.

Mr. McKie

Will the hon. Gentleman hear in mind the desirability of returning the 25 per cent. for agricultural purposes as soon as possible?

Mr. Bellenger

Yes, Sir. There are about 1,140 acres under requisition, and we will bear that it mind, of course.

Mr. Grimston

When does the hon. Gentleman anticipate that a decision will be reached in regard to these future requirements?

Mr. Bellenger

I cannot give any definite answer to that. This is a matter of wide complexity and considerable importance.

Viscount Hinchingbrooke

I take it that the hon. Gentleman is not going back on the statement made by the Secretary of State a fortnight ago that a decision would be reached in the course of the summer?

Mr. Bellenger

Certainly not. We co-ordinate very well at the War Office.