§ Mr. Hurdasked the Secretary of State for War if he will now give instructions for the rifle range and assault course at the foot of the Inkpen Down, Berkshire, to be cleared of unexploded shells and wire so that the local people may again have unobstructed passage to the Down.
§ Mr. LawsonThe land has already been cleared of unexploded missiles so far as possible and a clearance certificate given; but if any unexploded missiles which have been overlooked are discovered they should be reported to the police and steps will be taken to remove them. I understand that the barbed wire has been removed from the area and stacked at the edge of it in a position where it is not obstructing anybody's passage. The land was released in March and the farm track across the area affords access to the downs to the same extent as before the war. The War Department does not normally fill in such works as target butts, but the cost of restoration would be a proper subject for a claim under the Compensation (Defence) Act, 1939.