National Parks (Training Areas)

HC Deb 12 July 1961 vol 644 cc41-2W

38. Mrs. Butler

asked the Secretary of State for War how many acres are owned or leased by his Department for training purposes in each of the national parks at the latest convenient date; and what arrangements he has for reviewing these requirements periodically.

Mr. Profumo

One hundred and twenty-one thousand acres, or about 3½ per cent., of the total area of the national parks in England and Wales are at present used for military training. The detailed figures are given below. These areas are frequently reviewed, and we are now disposing of some 25,000 acres.

• Dartmoor—25,575 acres.
• Pembroke Coast—6,290 acres.
• North York Moors—16,703 acres.
• Yorkshire Dales—1,595 acres.
• Brecon Beacons—3,841 acres.
• Northumberland—54,500 acres.
• Peak District—4,099 acres.
• Snowdonia—8,715 acres.
• Lake District—Nil.