Oral Answers to Questions — Naval Aerodrome Sites (Agricultural Land)

– in the House of Commons at on 17 November 1942.

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Photo of Mr Robert Boothby Mr Robert Boothby , Aberdeenshire and Kincardineshire Eastern

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in selecting sites for new naval aerodromes, due regard is paid to the undesirability of requisitioning valuable agricultural land?

Photo of Mr Robert Boothby Mr Robert Boothby , Aberdeenshire and Kincardineshire Eastern

Can my hon. and gallant Friend say whether, in the recent case to which I directed his attention, he is satisfied that the very valuable stretch of land which he is taking over for the purpose of establishing a training school is necessary for the war effort, and that no alternative site could be found for this purpose?

Photo of Sir Richard Pilkington Sir Richard Pilkington , Widnes

Yes, Sir. It was with the greatest reluctance that we took this particular piece of ground, and I can assure my hon. Friend that every possible alternative site was considered first.

Photo of Mr Austin Hopkinson Mr Austin Hopkinson , Mossley

May we have an assurance that the efficiency of the Fleet Air Arm will be regarded as paramount to every other consideration?

Photo of Sir Richard Pilkington Sir Richard Pilkington , Widnes

Yes, Sir, I agree that that is the most valuable consideration we have to take into account.