§ Major Beamishasked the Secretary of State for War on what date those parts of Dungeness known as Walkers Outland, Hoppen Pits and Dengemarsh were taken over by the War Office; on what dates the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, the owners of these areas, requested information as to when these areas would 90W be returned to them; what replies ere sent; and whether he is now in a position to make a definite statement of his intentions regarding these areas.
§ Mr. ShinwellThese areas were requisitioned on 7th July, 1942. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds asked for information as to when the areas would be returned to them in a letter dazed 18th May, 1945. The reply given was that the land formed an extension to he permanent War Department range, and it was thought likely that it might be required in the post-war period. My Department has now decided that it does require Denge Marsh and parts of Walkers Outland and Hoppen Pits for the range in future, and the proposal to acquire additional land including the se areas is being considered by the Inter-Departmental Committee on Services Land Requirements. The remaining portions of Walkers Outland and Hoppen Pits are not required and will be released.