§ 40. Mr. Haymanasked the Secretary of State for War why a military road has been constructed to the top of Yes Tor in the Dartmoor National Park.
§ Mr. H. FraserI would refer the hon. Member to the Answer given on 27th January to my hon. Friend the Member for Wokingham (Mr. van Straubenzee).
§ Mr. HaymanWill the Minister take into account that that reply was most unsatisfactory? Is he saying that this 369 road has been widened to take a Land Rover to the top of the highest hill in the West Country, in the middle of a National Park, because the authorities could not find a soldier who could ride a pony or a horse? If they cannot find one who can, in Okehampton camp, will they consider hiring a civilian from outside?
§ Mr. FraserNo, Sir. This seems a perfectly reasonable process. The object is to put up and lower the danger flag where there are ranges. I think that a great deal of inaccurate information has been put forward by some of the local Press saying that we are building a metalled road. In fact, we are using an existing track which has been there for some forty years.
§ Mr. HaymanI beg to give notice that, as the Minister's reply is completely unsatisfactory, I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.