§ 120. Mr. Messerasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the difficulties experienced by local authorities, in 421W coastal and other districts, in the removal of barbed wire placed in position by his Department and no longer required for defence purposes; and will he arrange for its removal.
§ Mr. Lawson:The arrangements for dealing with defence works generally were described in the reply given to the hon. Member for Maidstone (Mr. Bossom) on 20th December. The War Department normally takes responsibility for physical removal only of works which are dangerous to the remover. In addition, in certain coastal areas, other defence works, which cover not only beaches but also promenades, etc., may be cleared by local authorities under arrangements with the War Office to the extent of making access to the sea safe for the public.