Mr. McKie:

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement regarding the recent proposals made through the Department of Health for Scotland to the Stewartry of Kirkcudbright County Council for the permanent acquisition of some 5,000 acres of land at Nether-law, near Kirkcudbright, as a tank range and 330 acres at Balcary Point, Kirkcudbrightshire, as an air-practice range.

The proposals for the permanent use for Service purposes of the areas of land in question are under consideration by all the Departments concerned. Before any final decision is taken the local authority, who have already been approached informally in the matter, and other interested bodies will be given a full opportunity of stating their views.

Mr. McKie:

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for what he has said, and disclosing my personal interest in the area called Balcary Point, is he fully aware of the very strong opposition even during the war to the temporary acquisition of the 5,000 acres at Netherlaw—some of the best dairying land in Scotland—and will he keep that very much in mind before coming to a final decision?

I am aware of some local opposition in connection with this, but, as I have indicated, all interested persons will have an opportunity of putting their case before a final decision is arrived at.