§ 13. Brigadier R. Medlicottasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he is aware that the development plans which are being prepared under the Town and Country Planning Act, 1947, contain detail as to the situation of battle areas, Army, Navy and Air Force buildings, railway junctions and marshalling yards, docks and wharves and important industrial buildings; that these plans would be of assistance to any enemy in the event of war; and whether he has consulted with the Minister of Defence on the security aspects of the matter and on the steps to be taken to prevent copies of these plans becoming available to any potential enemy.
§ Mr. H. MacmillanYes, Sir. Measures have been taken, in consultation with Defence Departments, to ensure that these plans do not contain matter which ought not to be disclosed.
§ Brigadier MedlicottIs not it a fact that conditions have changed considerably since the security arrangements were laid down in the Ordnance Survey and that these maps, read in conjunction with Circular 92 issued by my right hon. Friend's predecessor, would give a potential enemy a picture more complete than could be obtained by air reconnaissance?
§ Mr. MacmillanI thank my hon. and gallant Friend for calling my attention to this matter. I think that the fact that this Question has been put will call the attention of the Defence Departments to it, and I shall see that this matter is looked into.