LORD TEYNHAMasked His Majesty's Government when it is proposed to de-requisition the land previously used as an aerodrome, and now only for storage purposes, by the Admiralty, situated on the Pylewell Estate at Lymington in Hampshire, observing that the continuation of such requisition is depriving the estate of good agricultural land and also of a cottage suitable for farm workers now used by Admiralty watch-keepers in the stores, and further that the site is in any case most unsuitable for the storage of the large number of marine engines, both boxed and unboxed, owing to rapid deterioration from the salt air from the sea which is in close proximity.
§ LORD WESTWOODThe land occupied by the Admiralty at Pylewell airfield, 243WA Sussex, will be derequisitioned as soon as practicable, but owing to the urgent need to release industrial premises at present held for storage purposes, the hangars will be required for some considerable time. I regret, therefore, that no firm date can be given for the release of this land. The cottage must be retained to house the watch-keepers, as long as the stores remain there.
Arrangements have been made in agreement with the local war agricultural executive committee for the release for ploughing of the maximum possible area 244WA of land held on requisition at Pylewell, and the whole of the remaining area not covered by stores is being used for grazing by local farmers. I cannot dissent from the view expressed by the noble Lord with regard to the unsuitability of the site for the storage of marine engines, but for the reasons stated the Admiralty has recourse to storage facilities, which, in other circumstances, might not be regarded as suitable. I am assured, however, that all possible steps have been taken to protect these engines from corrosion.
House adjourned at twenty-five minutes past five o'clock.