HC Deb 24 March 1952 vol 498 cc128-9

Resolution reported, That a sum, not exceeding £30,500,000, be granted to Her Majesty, to defray the expense of works, buildings and lands, which will come in course of payment during the year ending on the 31st day of March, 1953.

Resolution read a Second time.

Motion made, and Question proposed. "That this House doth agree with the Committee in the said Resolution."

8.1 p.m.

Mr. John Morrison (Salisbury)

My right hon. Friend has mentioned the question of training on Salisbury Plain, and I should like to take the opportunity of thanking both him and the Under-Secretary of State for the replies they have given me as one who represents a large military area and one who has often bothered them.

In my lifetime, Salisbury Plain has been very considerably denuded of cover for all sorts for training. I do not believe that it is nearly so useful, from a general training point of view, as regards scrub either as cover for infantry training or for heavy overhead cover for camouflage for vehicles, either for training or in time of war, as it was 20 years ago. Although I do not expect an answer now, I hope that my right hon. Friend will be good enough to look into the question of planting a certain amount of scrub for infantry training and, perhaps, in conjunction with the advice of the Forestry Commission, will also consider planting areas, possibly wired off, to keep out the rabbits from the long-term viewpoint of the importance of all training and camouflage on Salisbury Plain.

One other point which springs to my mind is the importance of the continuity of the War Department Land Agent. He has to deal with all these matters ranging over some 100,000 acres, and he deals with many tenant farmers of War Department land. Inevitably, executive officers pass on after a year or two, but I hope that my right hon. Friend will see that, as far as possible, continuity is maintained in the office of the War Department Land Agent, and also that a person of the highest quality and integrity will be put into the position of looking after this big area from the point of view of the Army. There are many decisions to which it is sometimes necessary to look back in regard to all sorts of training.

Mr. Head

I assure my hon. Friend that I will look into the two points he mentions. He will not expect an answer from me now, but I will find out about what he asks and will write to him.

Question put, and agreed to.

Resolutions reported,