HC Deb 26 June 1963 vol 679 cc1328-9
29. Mr. Hayman

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty what proposals he has for troop landing exercises in the Zennor area of west Cornwall.

Mr. Hay

The Admiralty is seeking to use, with the consent of the owners, about 355 acres of moorland in the Zennor district of west Cornwall for training pilots and Royal Marines in deploying from and re-embarking in helicopters in difficult and realistic operational conditions.

This rugged area is particularly suitable for the purpose, and its proximity to the parent airfield at Culdrose offers great advantage in saving valuable training time and avoiding the necessity for special support arrangements.

We have referred the proposal to the local planning authorities whose replies are awaited. I should emphasise that nothing would be done which might disfigure the countryside.

Mr. Hayman

Will the Minister bear in mind that this area has been designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty and that the moorland over which these troops will exercise probably has concentrated in a few square miles more prehistoric monuments than there are in any other part of Great Britain? Will he also bear in mind that there is strong opposition but that I am hopeful that other areas which would not seem to be controversial will be suggested? If he will allow me, I will tell him of one or two.

Mr. Hay

In answer to the first part of the supplementary question, I am indeed well aware of the factors to which the hon. Gentleman draws attention. I should be most happy to accept his offer of mediation or help, however one likes to put it, because I fear that there has been a good deal of misunderstanding as to what it is we would like to be able to do. All that is in question is simply putting men down from helicopters and then picking them up at another place when they have gone over the intervening distance on foot.