HC Deb 13 July 1948 vol 453 cc984-5
8. Mr. Granville Sharp

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has now abandoned his proposal to acquire additional land and retain part of the present training area in the proposed North York Moors National Park.

Mr. Shinwell

This proposal has not been abandoned. It was the subject of a public local inquiry on 14th April, 1948, the report of which is under consideration. In the circumstances I do not think that it would be desirable for me to say anything further at this stage.

Mr. Sharp

When will my right hon. Friend be able to announce his abandonment of this proposal? As a result of his lunchtime conversation with the Minister of Town and Country Planning, has my right hon. Friend been persuaded that it is about time he got out of this area?

Mr. Shinwell

There is considerable fluidity about this problem, and it has not been liquidated as a result of the lunch.

Mr. Turton

Without committing the Minister to the main proposal, may I ask him whether he has considered the alternative area proposed by the Standing Committee of the North Riding of Yorkshire?

Mr. Shinwell

I cannot say that I have specifically considered the suggested alternative, but I would remind the hon. Gentleman that the question of the acquisition of land for battle training is very complex and intricate.

Mr. Stokes

May I ask the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether he was able to bring his influence to bear on the Secretary of State for War? Can I have an answer?

Mr. Shinwell

Certainly not.

Mr. Stokes

Am I not entitled, Mr. Speaker, to have a simple answer to a simple question?

Mr. Speaker

I understand that it is not correct to ask one Minister to influence another, because the Government is one and indivisible.

Mr. Shinwell

My hon. Friend the Member for Ipswich (Mr. Stokes) is part of the one and indivisible.