HC Deb 05 February 1947 vol 432 cc375-8W
Mr. Granville

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is now in a position to give the date on which the first section of the Leiston battle school will be cleared and made available for householders and agriculturalists to return to their former homes and livelihood.

Mr. Bellenger

It is not possible to release any part of this battle area until the whole area has been searched and certified clear of dangerous missiles. This is the general policy with regard to all areas in which live ammunition has been used, and is necessary in the interests of public safety, since it is practically impossible to prevent the public, particularly children, from straying from a cleared portion to one which has not been cleared. The progress of clearance has been hampered by lack of manpower and, of late, by the inclement weather and I am unable at present to say when the clearance of the area will be completed.