§ 12. Mr. de Freitasasked the Secretary of State for War how many acres in Lincoln he expects will become surplus to his requirements within the next two years; and whether he will undertake That none of this land will be disposed 470 of in conditions which would allow any of the gardens, playing fields and open spaces to be built upon.
§ Mr. H. FraserSo far as can be foreseen, there will be about 75 acres surplus. We shall follow the recognised procedure for the disposal of Government land and we shall consult the Lincoln City Council; but I cannot give an undertaking beyond that.
§ Mr. de FreitasWhy cannot the Under-Secretary give an assurance that playing fields will not be disposed of in conditions which will allow them to be built upon?
§ Mr. FraserSimply because no Government Department can make that condition, which is a question for the planning authorities. The War Office already carries a great deal of authority and for it to become a planning authority as well would be too much. What the hon. Gentleman is asking goes far beyond the recognised conditions for sale of land in those circumstances.
§ Mr. de FreitasI am asking the Under-Secretary to take cognisance of the fact that in many parts of the country the War Office has done this.
Mr. SpeakerI think that the hon. Member for Lincoln (Mr. de Freitas) did not hear me call the next Question.