§ Mr. Topeasked the Minister of State for Defence (1) if he will list the names of all the freeholders, together with the acreage of their land which was requisitioned in December 1943 inside the present Lulworth Army ranges, in order to assist with current claims;
(2) if he will publish a map of the Lulworth Army ranges indicating the boundaries of land held by freeholders in December 1943, in order to assist in current claims.
§ Mr. BlakerAs no decision has been taken on the future of the Ministry of Defence land at Lulworth, the release of which was recommended by the Nugent Committee, the question of dealing with any claims from the former freeholders does not arise. If it were decided that the site should be released its disposal would be the responsibility of my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment, who would take full account of the interests of all former owners.
§ Mr. Topeasked the Minister of State for Defence what is the area and depth of the open pit operated by English China Clays within the Lulworth tank firing ranges; and what permission has been granted for these excavations.
§ Mr. BlakerThe area of the open pit operated by English China Clays is just under six acres; its depth is about 80 343W feet. Under the terms of the mining leases Ministry of Defence consent for the open pit workings is required and has been given. Responsibility for obtaining the consent of the local planning authority rests with the company.