HL Deb 08 February 1949 vol 160 cc623-4WA
THE EARL OF MANSFIELD

asked His Majesty's Government whether it is correct that the War Office contemplates acquiring a large area of agricultural land near Comrie, Perthshire, as a military training centre; if so, what are the names of the farms, and the total acreage involved; and whether the project will be reconsidered, if seriously contemplated, in view of the grave consequences that would ensue to agricultural production, and hardship to the local population, particularly bearing in mind that there exists close at hand unlimited ground of much smaller agricultural value.

THE MINISTER OF CIVIL AVIATION (LORD PAKENHAM)

The War Department is considering a proposal to set up a week-end training centre for the Territorial Army in the neighbourhood of Lurgan Hill. The scheme is in an early stage and details have not yet been finally settled but the area involved may be just over 5,000 acres, most of the land being rough hill grazing. It is hoped to meet the requirement in the main by obtaining training and firing rights over the land which will involve minimum interference with agriculture. Farms that may be affected are Drumachork, Newton, Cultybraggan, Bishopsfauld, Tighnablair, Easter Meiggar, Wester Meiggar, Mailermore, Auchingarrich, Langside. It has not yet been decided what area of land will be purchased if the scheme is approved.