HC Deb 24 February 1960 vol 618 cc368-9
40. Mr. Hayman

asked 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. Fraser

I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer given on 27th January to my hon. Friend the Member for Wokingham (Mr. van Straubenzee).

Mr. Hayman

Will the Minister take into account that that reply was most unsatisfactory? Is he saying that this 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. Fraser

No, 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. Hayman

I 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.