§ 15. Mr. Turnerasked the Secretary of State for War how many acres of land in the Borough of Woolwich are under the control of his Department; and how many acres will be surplus to his requirements in each of the next five years, respectively.
§ The Secretary of State for War (Mr. J. B. Godber)One thousand three hundred and thirty-six acres are under the control of my Department in the Borough of Woolwich. On the basis of current requirements some 493 acres are surplus now. A further 60 acres should become surplus during the next five years. I regret that I cannot break this figure down by years.
§ Mr. TurnerWhile thanking my right hon. Friend for his first reply in his present office, may I stress the importance of expediting the release of this land for building or other purposes at the earliest possible opportunity?
§ Mr. GodberYes, I full accept that, and I am grateful to my hon. Friend for bringing it to my attention.
§ Mr. PagetWhile welcoming the right hon. Gentleman here for the first time in his new office, may I ask him when will the War Office consider having a general investigation of its property? At present it owns a number of enormously valuable sites, many of which are under-utilised.
§ Mr. GodberThat is a very fair point and I should like to look at it if I may, and perhaps a Question could be put down later.
§ Mr. WebsterWill my right hon. Friend ensure that before such property is disposed of a professional valuation is made to make sure what it is worth in the hands of a developer?
§ Mr. GodberI will take note of my hon. Friend's suggestion.