§ 31. Sir R. Grimstonasked the Minister of Transport if he is yet in a position to announce a date for a public inquiry in connection with the objections to the proposed order for the closing of the highways within the Imber training area.
§ Mr. MarplesI am hopeful that a satisfactory settlement of a number of the objections to this proposed order will be reached shortly. I will then refer it together with any outstanding objections to the War Works Commission, and it will be for the Commission to fix the date of any inquiry it decides to hold before reporting to me.
§ Sir R. GrimstonIs my right hon. Friend aware that although there is no disposition in any responsible quarter to interfere with the proper needs of defence training, there is very great anxiety that rights of way that have existed for centuries may be permanently closed even if at some future date the defence services might give up the training area? Will he bear that in mind and understand that there is a great deal of anxiety on the subject?
§ Mr. MarplesI am aware that there is a great deal of anxiety on the subject, but I think that it is usual to hear at a public inquiry any objections that are not withdrawn, after which a report is made to me.