HC Deb 08 November 1949 vol 469 cc1049-50
36. Mr. Skeffington-Lodge

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that part of the devastation caused by his Department in the Purbeck country in Dorset, comprises damage by shells to the roof of the fourteenth century church in the Tyneham Valley; and what action is proposed to prevent further destruction of this sort occurring in respect of other historic monuments in the area.

Mr. Shinwell

I am not aware that any damage has been caused to Tyneham Church by shells since 1945. It is unlikely that any further damage of this nature will be caused to the church since, although in the ricochet area, it is not in the firing area of the range. Every endeavour is being made to ensure that historical monuments within the range area do not come within the firing area.

Mr. Skeffington-Lodge

Can my right hon. Friend say whether any restitution was made in the case which he admits, or whether any form of compensation was forthcoming from his Department?

Mr. Shinwell

That is not for me to decide. If there is any question of de-requisitioning it is a matter for the Minister of Works.

Mr. Geoffrey Cooper

Can my right hon. Friend say whether in the foreseeable future his Department will be able to return this highly fertile valley to food production?

Mr. Shinwell

I would not care to say anything about the foreseeable future.

44. Mr. Skeffington-Lodge

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning what steps he is taking to safeguard as far as possible the natural beauty of the Purbeck country in which is established a tank gunnery range.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Town and Country Planning (Mr. King)

My right hon. Friend has no reason to think that the training facilities referred to have caused, or will cause, any serious injury to the natural beauty of the area in question. The point is however being watched.