HC Deb 27 July 1949 vol 467 cc145-6W
91. Brigadier Medlicott

asked the Minister of Works if he is aware of the large number of Nissen huts, concrete emplacements, stretches of barbed wire, beach obstructions and other remnants of defence works which still exist in Great Britain, particularly along the coastline; and if he has any plans for a special effort to remove as many as possible of these obstructions before the opening of the Festival of Britain in 1951.

Mr. Key

Obstructions on public land are being dealt with by the authorities owning the land and I understand that a number of schemes, especially at coast pleasure resorts, have been completed. Obstructions on privately-owned land which should be removed in the public interest are being cleared as fast as the resources of my Department permit. I regret it is not possible to promise that this very considerable task can be completed in a short time, or that it can be appreciably accelerated for the Festival of Britain, 1951. If there is any particular obstruction which the hon. Member has in mind I will see whether something can be done.