§ 20. Lieutenant Mullanasked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to complaints made by owners of land in the Holywood district of County Down, concerning trespass and damage to crops and fences by military personnel; and if he will take steps now to prevent this.
§ Mr. BellengerA letter of complaint was received by my Department last March, as a result of which the matter was investigated locally. The investigation disclosed that although there had been damage in previous years, damage during 1946 was negligible. All troops using the area are reminded of the need to exercise the greatest care to avoid damage to, or interference with, agricultural activities. I would point out, however, that there is no trespass by the troops as use of this land is authorised under the Defence Regulations.