Sir J. DAVIDSONasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether there is a public right of way leading up to the pier at Warsash; whether the public has the right to use the pier or whether this right has been granted to any individual; if so, to whom; whether any sum has been paid for the right to use the pier; if so, 649W what that sum is; and whether the pier will be sold at public auction when the Air Ministry have ceased to require its use?
Captain GUESTI have been asked to reply to this question. Whether or not there is a public right of way to the pier at Warsash is a question which should be addressed to the local authorities. The public have no right to use the pier. Certain rights for the use of the pier have been granted to the hon. and gallant Member for Walton (Lieut.-Commander Chilcott), who is freeholder of the adjoining land and who has purchased from the Government certain buildings erected by them upon that land. No separate sum has been paid by him for the right to use the pier, but the arrangement in connection therewith secures for the Government the rights they require in regard to the pier and relieves them from any liability for the upkeep thereof. The pier is at present required for Air Ministry purposes and there is no probability of its being offered for sale. If it were so offered, the hon. and gallant Member has an option to purchase.