HC Deb 01 April 1943 vol 388 cc362-3W
Mr. Granville

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that, without any previous warning, woodmen have marked for felling the collection of ancient oaks, the property of a gentleman of whose name he has been informed, and that he has been told the chimneys and possibly the antique restored house thereby will probably be demolished in the near future; and what action he proposes to take to prevent this happening?

Sir A. Sinclair

An officer from my Department visited the owner of the property referred to on 25th February and explained the need for felling certain trees and topping others which would be a dangerous obstruction to aircraft using a nearby airfield. As far as can be judged, the demolition of the house will be unnecessary, although the lowering of the chimney stacks may prove to be unavoidable. The hon. Member may be assured that disturbance and interference with amenities will be reduced to the minimum compatible with flying safety.