HC Deb 26 November 1946 vol 430 cc250-2W
119. Sir H. Morris-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the exact location and extent of the area of the Clwydian range in the counties of Denbigh and Flint to be taken over for military training purposes.

Mr. Bellenger

The area proposed is 16,36o acres in extent and is approximately bounded by the roads BodfariNannerch—Cilcain (Flintshire)—Llanferris—Llanbedr Llangynhafal (Denbighshire)—Bodfari. A reduction of this acreage is now under consideration and I am awaiting a report. The area is included in the War Department proposals which are under consideration by the Inter-Departmental Committee on Service Land Requirements. Until Ministers have decided on the submissions of this committee I cannot say whether the area will be used for military training.

129. Mr. Vane

asked the Secretary of State for War how many battle practice areas suitable for field-firing exercises with armoured-fighting vehicles and supporting arms were held by his Department in mid-1944; how many have since been given up; and in which counties those practice areas, or ranges, still held are situated.

Mr. Bellenger

In mid-1944, 13 such areas were held. Of these seven have been released or are only still held because clearance of unexploded missiles is not yet complete. Areas are still held for battle practice in Norfolk, Yorkshire, Brecknockshire and Roxburghshire and for other purposes in Devonshire and Wiltshire.

142. Brigadier Rayner

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps he is taking to protect the public from the live ammunition at present being used by Service units on Dartmoor.

Mr. Bellenger

It is the policy of the War Department to erect adequate notice boards at reasonable intervals around those areas where firing with live ammunition takes place, warning the public of the danger of entering the areas.

143. Brigadier Rayner

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that there are a number of public water-gathering grounds in that part of Dartmoor at present under military occupation; and what steps he is taking to protect them from pollution.

Mr. Bellenger

The protection of public water-gathering grounds from pollution is fully covered in a War Office pamphlet which is issued to all units which use land for training. The precautions necessary are explicity laid down in this pamphlet.