asked the Secretary of State for War if he will take steps to remove the large quantities of barbed wire belonging to his Department which are scattered over and spoiling the countryside in Kent.

Physical restoration, including removal of barbed wire, is not in general carried out by my Department, though the Army removes mines and unexploded missiles and in the course of doing so occasionally removes barbed wire. Where restoration is in the public interest, it is effected under arrangements made by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Works. Otherwise compensation is paid by my Department.