HC Deb 10 June 1947 vol 438 cc862-3
41. Mr. Granville Sharp

asked the Secretary of State for War how many of the 404,000 acres held by his Department on 31st December, 1946, under Defence Regulation 51 and the 1,290,836 acres then held under Defence Regulation 52 have now been released; and what further releases will be made by 30th June, 1947.

Mr. Bellenger

Up to date information about the amount of land held by my Department under Defence Regulation 51 is not readily available within the War Office. A return from all home Commands is due early next month. When it has been received I will send the information to my hon. Friend. On 31st May training rights under Defence Regulation 52 were held over 855,465 acres. Of this area 229,200 acres have been approved for release, and I hope that the greater part will be released during this month.

42. Mr. G. Sharp

asked the Secretary of State for War how many inexpensive flats and small houses were held by his Department on 30th April, 1947; and how many of these he estimates will be de-requisitioned by 30th June, 1947.

Mr. Bellenger

At 30th April, 1947, my Department held 69 inexpensive flats and 196 small houses. I estimate that of these, some 40 flats and 60 small houses will be derequisitioned by 30th June, 1947.

Mr. Orr-Ewing

What does the right hon. Gentleman mean by "inexpensive flats"? Does that term include flats that would come under the Rent Restrictions Acts if derequisitioned?

Mr. Bellenger

The term was used by my hon. Friend in his Question, and I have given him the answer. Perhaps, it would be possible for all three of us to study and define it.

Mr. Oliver Stanley

In order to answer the Question, the right hon. Gentleman must have known what the Question meant. Could he not confide that to us?

Mr. Bellenger

Certainly, if a Question is put down I will give a detailed answer.

Mr. Sharp

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the term was originally used by his Department when submitting evidence to a Select Committee of this House?

44. Mr. Swingler

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the size of the area of Cannock Chase at present requisitioned by his Department; for what purposes it is being used; and when he proposes to derequisition it.

Mr. Bellenger

At present an area of 485 acres known as Teddesley Park is being used under Defence Regulation 52 for general infantry training purposes. This area will be required also for training Territorial Army units, and a proposal to use it permanently will shortly be considered by the Inter-Departmental Committee on Service Land Requirements.

Mr. Swingler

Is the Secretary of State aware that this area constitutes a great natural amenity for thousands of people in the West Midlands; that previously it has always been accessible to the public in peacetime; and that there is very serious opposition to any proposal that it should be taken over as military training ground?

Mr. Bellenger

Yes, Sir, I am in complete sympathy with my hon. Friend and his constituents. It may perhaps comfort him and them to know that the training rights which we shall want will he so small that we shall interfere with the publics very little, if at all.