§ Mr. Parkerasked the Secretary of State for War who was responsible for choosing valuable agricultural land below sea level for a tank range, of which he has been informed, instead of adjacent heaths; and what was the total expenditure before the range had to be closed.
§ Sir J. GriggIn cases such as this the possible sites are examined locally and recommendations are then made to the Training Areas Selection Committee. Before deciding what areas should be taken this committee consults the various author- 45W ities concerned. This procedure was followed in this case. In order to reduce the danger area which must be requisitioned a range such as this must be sited either on the coast or against a steep escarpment. Two nearby areas—which are no doubt those referred to by the hon. Member—were found to be unsuitable in the one case because the danger area would have cut across a township and in the other because there was a labour colony in the area. The range was needed for the armoured units stationed in this district. They have now left and the range has been closed. The works services carried out at this range cost £15,000.