HC Deb 07 May 1963 vol 677 c223
36. Mr. Hayman

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works whether he will make a statement on the proposal to provide barracks for the Royal Marines at Bickleigh, near Plymouth.

Mr. Rippon

Accommodation is being built for one Royal Marine Commando at Bickleigh. The Royal Marines already live in a camp on the site but it comprises only temporary and sub-standard buildings.

Mr. Hayman

Is the Minister aware that already about £750,000 is being spent to rehouse the Royal Marines at Plymouth and that Bickleigh, only six miles away, is on the edge of the Dart-moor National Park? Is he further aware that many amenity societies are alarmed at this proposal to put a permanent camp there? Will the right hon. Gentleman do what he can to avoid any costly blunder in defence again?

Mr. Rippon

The first stage of this project is in progress. We have had consultations with the Devon County Council and the Royal Fine Art Commission on this. I am sure that the hon. Gentleman is right in drawing attention to the importance of this site. We shall be very careful to ensure that the building is not out of harmony with its surroundings. We will put up a great many trees in order to screen off the building.

Sir H. Studholme

Will the hon. Member for Falmouth and Camborne (Mr. Hayman) go to Bickleigh and look for himself—

Mr. Speaker

Order. There cannot be any Ministerial responsibility in this Minister to direct the steps of another hon. Member.