asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that it is proposed to establish a permanent small arms range on Burley Moor which is part of the famous Ilkley Moor, that such a range will affect 500 acres of moorland, and close two popular footpaths, as well as adversely affecting the water rights, grazing rights and sporting rights; and will he take steps to keep this moor open at all times for the use of the people who live in the nearby towns and cities.

I am aware of the proposal, which will be considered by the Inter-Departmental Committee on Services Land Requirements who are awaiting the regional report on the case. The Committee will take into account the effect on local interests and amenities.

Will the right hon. Gentleman impress upon the Committee that when the Territorials wish to use the range at weekends, it is just the time when it is required by the general public of the cities of Leeds and Bradford; and also that Ilkley Moor is hardly available at all, because of unexploded bombs?

This site consists of a series of small-arms ranges, which have been in use, I understand, since 1914.