§ Mr. Shinwell(1) asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works whether he can give any information about the effect on tenants of premises in a certain district of the land being taken for the use of the American Army;
1466W(2) asked the Secretary of State for War on what grounds he has taken over land, houses and other premises in a certain district for the use of the American Army; and whether he has any information of the discontent existing in the area?
Mr. AlexanderI have been asked to reply. The use of the area referred to will involve the evacuation of all occupiers of premises within the area and the cessation of all farming for a period. The land, houses and other premises in the district are being taken over for combined operations training with the firing of live ammunition with weapons of all types. The Government Departments concerned are aware of the sacrifices which these proposals will impose on the civil population and the decision has only been taken after the most careful consideration. Such a serious disturbance in the lives of so many people must inevitably arouse discontent but every effort will be made to reduce the inconveniences and sacrifices involved.