HC Deb 20 October 1953 vol 518 cc244-5W
61. Mr. Anthony Greenwood

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that Service personnel are being employed upon the reconstruction of bridges which are the responsibility of the Devon and Somerset Staghounds; and on whose authority this work is being undertaken.

Mr. Head

Two bridges over the River Barle, erected by the Devon and Somerset Staghounds by means of a public subscription, have been used for many years, not only by the Hunt but also by farmers, tourists and others, until the bridges were washed away in the floods last year. One of the bridges is being replaced by a Bailey bridge bought from civilian sources. Its erection was assisted by the local squadron of Territorial Army Royal Engineers. This task was performed during the weekend 19th–20th September and provided a most useful form of training

63. Mr. Nabarro

asked the Secretary of State for War what representations he has received from the League Against Cruel Sports as a result of a Bailey bridge having been built by Territorial officers and men of the Royal Engineers for the exclusive use of a West Country staghunt; and what action he has taken or proposes to take in the matter.

Mr. Head

It was represented to me by this body that there had been misuse of Territorial Army manpower in carrying out this work. The action I took was to find out for myself exactly what had taken place. This is set out in my reply to an earlier Question by the hon. Member for Rossendale (Mr. Anthony Greenwood).