§ Sir R. Glynasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now in a position to state what will be the size of the establishment at Becket Park, Shrivenham; what is estimated to be the probable total population of the station, including the families of married noncommissioned officers and men; and what steps are being taken to drain the land and ensure that the buildings to be put up will be of such a character as to harmonise with the present unspoilt surroundings?
Mr. CooperThe establishment at. Shrivenham will consist of an Anti-Aircraft Group, comprising two Anti-Aircraft Brigades, Royal Artillery, an Anti-Aircraft Battalion, Royal Engineers, Signals and other ancillary units. The population to be accommodated is estimated at 4,120 military personnel, together with 350 officer and other rank families. The question of drainage of the land is under active consideration, but I am unable to give any details regarding this at present. With regard to the last part of the question, I am fully aware of the need for careful planning and designing of the buildings to be erected and the general lay-out of the Barracks and plans of the main buildings have already been submitted to the Royal Fine Art Commission, whose advice will be sought throughout the development of the project.