asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is yet able to release Barons Cross Camp, Leominster, which is being used on few occasions and which is occupying land suitable for the extension of Leominster Urban District Council house building.

No, Sir, there is a continuing need for this land.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this camp of 34 acres, which is serviced with roads, sewerage and light, is very suitable for extending building accommodation which the local authority wants, and is also an attractive site for industry? Is my right hon. Friend aware that, no matter what his information may be to the contrary, this camp is one which is redundant in the opinion of the local people? Will he send someone down to have a local inquiry to see whether the loss of this land to the local authority by his retention of it may be avoided?

As I think my hon. Friend knows, this camp has a dual purpose. In peace-time it is not, I admit, fully occupied but, as my hon. Friend knows, this land is required should an emergency ever arise, and it is for that reason we find it difficult to adopt the suggestion my hon. Friend has made. I have not had any applications for the use of this land for houses. I have had applications for its use for industrial purposes and for its use for a highway depot, but there has been no application to me, apart from what my hon. Friend has just said, for this land to be used for housing.