HC Deb 08 March 1965 vol 708 cc15-6
20. Sir M. Redmayne

asked the Minister of Land and Natural Resources what representations have been made to him in respect of the need for the expansion of Army training areas.

Mr. Willey

None, Sir.

Sir M. Redmayne

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there have been authoritative reports that the Army wants another 100,000 acres of land? Is he further aware that it has been said, apparently on the authority of the War Office, that this land nationally covers more than barren land, moorland and open plain? Is there any truth in this and, if so, is he aware that it will mean a further most severe loss of farming land? Can we be assured that if anything of the kind is sought the House will be informed about it before it goes to any definite stage?

Mr. Willey

I am not responsible for what appears in the Press, but if there is any question of the Service Departments taking further land for training my Department would be consulted.

Mr. Snow

Is my right hon. Friend aware that I sent to his Department some months ago statistics which I had collected over two years about holdings of land by Service Departments? Is he further aware that under the Administration of Mr. Attlee, as he was then, there was formed an Inter-departmental Committee of Land Holding Departments, which was later abolished by the Conservative Party, and that there was acute public disquiet about the unending demand for the already slender land resources we have?

Mr. Willey

I am so aware, and I am much obliged to my hon. Friend for his informative correspondence. I am in touch with the Service Departments about it.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

The right hon. Gentleman says that if such proposals were made his Department would be consulted. Can he go further and, as the Minister responsible for land use, give the assurance that such a request would be turned down?

Mr. Willey

Of course I cannot. I must consider it on its merits.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

When the Army wants more land, do unscrupulous and unpatriotic landlords ask too much for it?

Mr. Willey

Not as far as I am aware.

Miss Quennell

Can the Minister indicate that if the Army or other Service Departments wish to relinquish land, his Department will be similarly consulted?