§ 33. Mr. Dyeasked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the quality of the crops now growing on certain parts of the Stanford battle training area, he will make arrangements for the continued cropping of this land so long as the food shortage exists.
§ Mr. J. FreemanI am afraid I cannot forecast the amount of cultivation of certain parts of the Stanford battle area which will be possible in future years. The military authorities are fully aware of the vital importance of home food production, and every practicable facility will continue to be given.
§ Mr. DyeIs my hon. Friend aware of the necessity for enabling these farmers to plan ahead, rather than leave it to the last moment?
§ Major Legge-BourkeCould the hon. Gentleman give an assurance that the Stanford battle training area is absolutely essential, and that training cannot be done anywhere else?
§ Mr. FreemanI think it would be wise to leave this until a statement on Government policy is made.
§ 34. Mr. Dyeasked the Secretary of State for War whether it is possible to reopen the main roads through the Stanford battle training area when dangerous exercises are not taking place or in such conditions as prevailed when sugar-beet carting was in progress.
§ Mr. J. FreemanI regret that in the interests of the public it would not be desirable to reopen the roads in this area owing to the presence of unexploded missiles.
§ Mr. DyeIs my hon. Friend aware that there are no unexploded missiles on these roads which are required by the public for their own use, and is it not unreasonable to deny them the use of these roads which provide the nearest way of getting to the place where they want to go?
§ Mr. FreemanMy hon. Friend should bear in mind that there are, in fact, unexploded missiles immediately off the roads, on the verges, and it would be very much against the public interest to permit free access.