6 DECEMBER 1946, Page 17

TRAINING AREAS

SIR,—Two aspects of cardiml importance need to be considered: s. Can the problem satisfactorily be resolved by an enquiry into individual cases, in which local interests naturally will urge that the Services should go elsewhere, or does it require a comprehensive survey of the country against which the relative importance of claims—defence, agriculture and amenity—can be judged? 2. Is it necessary for the Service departments to acquire at once the areas over which they already have effective control (which appears to be their intention), or is it possible for the Government to defer any irrevocable decision to permit a thorough enquiry by a Select Committee, which is not feasible when a time-limit of days has been imposed?

In regard to (t) there can be no doubt that the wider interests of the country would be served if the allocation of land were first considered on a national basis, and (2) land requisitioned under Defence Regulations could be held for sufficient time for an objective enquiry—without delay in training—under the Supplies and Services (Transitional) Powers Act, 1945, and the Emergency Powers (Transitional) Act, 1945. The respon- sibility of the Government is clear.—I am, Sir, your obedient servant,