HC Deb 11 May 1960 vol 623 cc387-8
2. Mr. de Freitas

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will offer to the Lincoln City Council the lease, at a nominal rent, of the land at the Royal Lincolnshire Regiment's barracks on condition that it is used as playing fields and public gardens and named in such a way as to commemorate the long and happy association between the City and the Regiment which is about to be ended.

Mr. Soames

The baracks will be occupied for about another year, and part may be needed after that for minor units. I sympathise with the hon. Member's suggestion and will bear the interest of the City Council in mind; but if we have land surplus to our needs we are bound to dispose of it by the recognised procedure.

Mr. de Freitas

Is the Secretary of State aware that there is great apprehension in the city that these playing fields will be sold for use as building land? Will he give an undertaking that that will not be done?

Mr. Soames

We shall certainly be in touch with the Lincoln City Council about the future of the land.