HC Deb 17 November 1954 vol 533 cc387-9
39. Mr. Anthony Greenwood

asked the Minister of Defence which of the Service Departments is responsible for the derelict installations on the Lizard Peninsula; and when it is proposed to remove these and restore the land to its pre-war condition.

The Minister of Defence (Mr. Harold Macmillan)

I assume that the hon. Member has in mind the installations at Dry Tree, Trelanvean and Penolver. These are held by the Air Ministry. Parts of Dry Tree and Trelanvean are required for future Air Force use but the remaining land will be derequisitioned. The policy of Her Majesty's Government as regards the removal of temporary defence works was stated in a written reply to the hon. Member for Hertfordshire, South-West (Mr. G. Longden) by the Minister of Works on 30th January, 1953. I am sending the hon. Member a copy.

Mr. Greenwood

Is the Minister aware that in the meantime this area, which is of very considerable architectural and botanical interest, is cluttered up with water tanks, abandoned concrete foundations and dumps of rusty barbed wire, and that this state of affairs reflects adversely on the Service Departments? Can he speed them up in dealing with this situation?

Mr. Macmillan

The method of achieving progress was laid down, but if the hon. Gentleman will get in touch with me regarding any particular case, I will do my best to help.