HL Deb 07 December 1949 vol 165 c1260

2.38 p.m.

LORD MERTHYR

My Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands on the Order Paper in my name.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask His Majesty's Government when a decision will be announced as to the retention or release of the training area at Castlemartin, Pembrokeshire, concerning which a public inquiry was held at Pembroke on April 1, 1948.]

THE PAYMASTER-GENERAL (LORD MACDONALD OF GWAENYSGOR)

My Lords, my right honourable friend the Minister of Town and Country Planning regrets the delay in announcing the results of the public inquiry. The noble Lord will be pleased to learn that my right honourable friend hopes to announce the decision in the very near future. As your Lordships will be aware, the Castlemartin proposals had to be considered in connection with other proposals, both as regards the training programme and as regards the effects on important civil interests.

LORD MERTHYR

My Lords, will the noble Lord agree that the value of these public inquiries is largely diminished if their result is not known for a period approaching two years?

LORD MACDONALD OF GWAENYSGOR

My Lords, I entirely agree that delay in announcing results is not desirable, but in this case there were good reasons for the delay.

VISCOUNT ST. DAVIDS

My Lords, can the Minister give special consideration to this particular inquiry and its results, as this training area cuts into the coastal footpaths which we are hoping to organise in the new national park?

LORD MACDONALD OF GWAENYSGOR

My Lords, a decision will be made in the very near future.