§ 77. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the work of removing the concrete anti-tank defence blocks along the seafront at Aberdeen has only partially been done; that it is important to complete it in a safe and tidy manner before the short summer holiday season of this resort begins; and if he will have this done immediately.
§ Mr. Bellenger:The responsibility for the physical removal of defence works of this nature from land owned by the local authority rests with that authority. If the authority is unable itself to remove the works, the removal of which is in the public interest, the appropriate civil Department will assume the responsibility. The War Department is prepared to assist in the work of removal if military labour happens to be available and in this case 18 blocks were in fact removed by military labour. I understand that most of the remaining blocks are on the public highway and, therefore, a matter for the Ministry of Transport.