§ 30. Mr. Harrisonasked the Secretary of State for War, in view of the congested inland populations living around the open areas known as the Dukeries and the need for the preservation of open spaces in that part of the country, why he proposes to utilise the area as a military training ground.
§ Mr. ShinwellA proposal is under consideration to use an area of about 2,300 acres in the Dukeries as a week-end training centre for units of the Territorial Army. There is a large number of Territorial Army units in the neighbourhood. The men must be trained, and their training takes place primarily at week-ends. Accordingly, there must be adequate facilities for training within easy reach of their homes. So far as my Department is concerned, the public would he permitted complete freedom of access to the area at all times so far as good military training allowed. The requirement will be considered in due course by the Services Lands Requirements Committee, and if it appears that substantial objections on grounds of the public interest still remain, a public local inquiry will be held.
§ Mr. HarrisonAs my right hon. Friend will be aware that this area contains the most delightful countryside in the county of Nottinghamshire, could he not find for purposes of this kind—as I am sure he could find—other less densely populated places in the county?
§ Mr. ShinwellUnfortunately, we cannot always provide alternative training ground. Although we are very unwilling to trespass on the life of the country and to interfere with the pleasures of the people. I am afraid that we must utilise these areas for training purposes.