§ 49. Mr. Digbyasked the Minister of Defence how many roads are still closed to the public on account of their being taken over by one of the service departments; and under what powers are these roads still retained.
§ Mr. J. FreemanThe number of roads still closed by the War Department and the Admiralty is 214. I regret that it is not possible in the time available to make an analysis of the 1,350 orders, made by the Air Ministry for the closing of roads, footpaths and bridle paths, which are still in force. All such roads are retained under Defence Regulation 16.
§ Mr. DigbyHas not the time now come for further consideration of this matter in view of the complicated number of orders, and will my hon. Friend look into it?
§ Mr. FreemanYes, Sir, on a particular case one can look into it in detail, but many of these roads were closed for reasons of airfield reconstruction and so forth, and it is impossible to solve these problems at short notice.
§ Mr. MedlandWill the hon. Gentleman give consideration to releasing the land around the roads owned and appropriated by the War Office?
§ Mr. FreemanThat is another question.