HC Deb 07 April 1948 vol 449 cc153-4
30. Mr. Keeling

asked the Minister of Defence how many meetings the Inter-Services Committee for the joint use of land for training has held; in how many cases has joint user been arranged; and whether he will give particulars.

The Minister of Defence (Mr. A. V. Alexander)

The Inter-Services Coordinating Committee on Land Requirements has held four meetings. Individual cases have, in the main, been dealt with by executive discussion rather than at formal meetings, but the Committee laid down the procedure to be followed for the Inter-Service examination of the land required by the Services for training. The procedure laid down ensured that full consideration was given to the possibility of joint user. Joint user has been effected in some 3o areas of which major examples are Dartmoor and Castle Martin.

Mr. Keeling

Is not this rather a poor result from the efforts of this Committee, and is there any reason why small arms ranges should not be used jointly by two of the Services, or by all three Services?

Mr. Alexander

I am assured that that is being done wherever possible. I have had a look at some of the statements made by the hon. Member on 15th March, and I have not been able to reconcile them with my information. If he sends me some of the lists he mentioned, I will look into the matter.

Mr. Keeling

Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will correct some of my statements if I am wrong?

Mr. Alexander

Yes, Sir, if the hon. Member sends me the list.