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Coastal Areas (Restrictions)

Volume 388: debated on Tuesday 6 April 1943

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25.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, as the uncertainty regarding the sudden imposition of a ban on access to protected areas within 10 miles of the coast will have a disastrous effect on the economic life of many places of residence and business, he will endeavour to arrange some system of notification which will at least enable those both inside and outside the areas in question to ascertain how they are likely to stand within the next 24 hours?

I much regret the effects these restrictions may have in the areas concerned, and I can assure my hon. Friend that the Army will endeavour to cause as little interference as possible with the normal life of the residents in those areas. The restrictions will be imposed for strictly military reasons, and although as much notice as possible will be given locally in each case, I regret that no guarantee can be given of the length of this notice.

While I thank my right hon. Friend for his answer, and while nobody wishes to give information to the enemy, would he not agree that in order to save travel and disturbance to people generally there ought to be some method by which people can get to know whether a ban is on or not?