§ 77. Mr. Sharpasked the Secretary of State for War why he decided to survey Dovedale for possible use as a firing range; and whether he has now ordered the complete abandonment of the proposals.
§ 82. Group-Captain Wilcockasked the Secretary of State for War if he will make a statement on the scheme to acquire a part of Dovedale as a rifle range; and whether he proposes to go on with the scheme.
§ 86. Mr. Anthony Greenwoodasked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the protests it has aroused, he will drop his proposal for taking over 578 acres of land at the entrance to Dovedale for the establishment of a small-arms range.
§ 88. Mr. C. Whiteasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the proposed small-arms range to be built at Dovedale in Derbyshire; and if, as this beauty spot is visited each year by thousands of people, he will take steps to prevent the proposal being carried out in this area.
§ Mr. M. StewartA Territorial Army range has been used near Thorpe Cloud in Dovedale for many years before the recent war. The use proposed is identical with the use in prewar days. The 155W range is very small, consisting of two targets only. As far as I am aware, there were no objections to its use before the war. However, my right hon. Friend is looking further into the matter to see whether this proposal does, in fact, seriously interfere with the enjoyment of the beauty spot by the public, and, if so, whether there is any way of meeting the Army requirements which does not involve such interference.
§ Mr. Edward Daviesasked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the widespread public opposition to the proposal to use 578 acres of Dovedale as a small arms range for Army training; and whether he will make alternative arrangements elsewhere in such a way as not to deny access to or interference with beauty and amenities of this character.
§ Mr. ShinwellI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply previously given today to several hon. Members.
§ 95. Mr. Skeffington-Lodgeasked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether he is aware of a War Department proposal to acquire 578 acres of land at the entrance to Dovedale, Derbyshire, for use as a small arms range; and what consultations have taken place between his Department and the War Office in connection with the opposition to the scheme expressed by the Ashbourne Rural District Council.
§ Mr. SilkinI am aware of the proposal, which will be considered by the Inter-Departmental Committee on Services Land Requirements when they receive the regional report, which will include a statement of the views of the local authorities concerned.