HC Deb 24 March 1953 vol 513 cc77-8W
82. Mr. Foot

asked the Secretary of State for War the nature Of the security reasons which his Department has invoked to support its demand that certain recreation lands at Eastern Kings and Western Kings, Stonehouse, Plymouth, should be taken over by the War Office; and whether he will consider withdrawing this demand.

Mr. J. R. H. Hutchison

The land at Eastern Kings is permanently occupied and controlled by the Admiralty. I understand that the local commanding officer has discretion to allow members of the Old Plymouth Society and other interested persons or organised parties to have access during hours of daylight and at their own risk to the old tower and other historic remains there; access for the public generally cannot be extended beyond that now allowed.

The land at Western Kings is owned by the Admiralty who before the war under an agreement of 1905 with the local council made it available as a recreation ground for the public. During and since the war, however, the War Office has installed there a good deal of valuable equipment. Consequently this land has recently been transferred permanently to the War Office and, to ensure the security of the equipment, steps have been taken to recognise the changed situation by terminating the prewar agreement. It is unfortunately impracticable under present conditions to make other arrangements.

83. Mr. Foot

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will appoint an independent inquiry to review the land within the boundary of the city of Plymouth now held by the War Office; and whether he will empower such an inquiry to make recommendations about how much of this land could be restored to the people of Plymouth without interfering with the legitimate needs of the War Office.

Mr. J. R. H. Hutchison

No. As my center hon. Friend stated in reply to a similar Question on 30th July last year, he sees no reason for such a special survey. I have since that date dealt fully in correspondence with the use of a particular area which the hon. Member brought to my notice, and I am ready to look into the use of any other special area that the hon. Member may have in mind.