§ Mr. Moreasked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) whether he is aware of the advanced state of the negotiations conducted by his Department for the resale to the previous owner of the greater part of the area at Ditton Priors, Shropshire, formerly in use as an Admiralty depot, in accordance with the agreement included in the original sale; and whether he will undertake to complete the resale without delay;
(2) what arrangements he is making to provide an alternative site for ammunition storage for the United States forces at present occupying the former Admiralty depot site at Ditton Priors, Shropshire.
§ Mr. ReynoldsHer Majesty's Government have power under the Visiting Forces Act to provide facilities for the United States Forces in this country as if they were our own. The land at Ditton Priors had to be brought back into military use to meet part of an urgent requirement by the United States Forces for ammunition storage. This requirement, which will remain for the foreseeable future, did not arise until late December; and it was finally confirmed on 6th January, after other possible sites had been considered. I much regret that the negotiations with the former owners were cut short, and should like to associate myself with the apology which my hon. Friend has already conveyed to the hon. Member, that they should not have received advance warning.