§ Mr. KEENSasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air why the trees on the summit of Boddington Hill, Wendover, comprising part of the Halton estate, are being demolished, seeing that it is a notable landmark and one of the beauty spots of the neighbourhood; whether he is aware that during the War these trees were specially spared, after protests made by people in Wendover; and whether he will now intervene to preserve the beauty of this part of the Chilterns?
§ Mr. LEACHThere is no intention in the present felling operations to interfere1026W with the fringe of trees on the summit of Boddington Hill. The trees which are being felled in this vicinity are mostly becoming diseased, and if not felled would gradually rot to the ground. I am, however, causing further inquiries to be made into the matter. As regards the second part of the question, I have no information as to the circumstances in which the trees were spared during the War. As regards the last part of the question, the Air Ministry is most desirous of preserving the amenities of the place to the utmost degree compatible with its use for the purpose for which it was acquired, namely, as a large Royal Air Force training establishment.