The Crichel Down Affair Land in Devon was acquired by compulsory purchase in 1938 for use as a bombing range. It was subsequently transferred to the Ministry of Agriculture and then to the Commissioner for Crown Lands, who let it to a tenant of their choice. The former owner of the land was denied the right to buy it back, and neighbouring landowners, who were led to believe that they would also be able to bid for it, were denied this opportunity. These events led to an inquiry, where it was concluded that the civil servants in the Ministry of Agriculture had acted in a deceitful way. The Minister of Agriculture, Sir Thomas Dugdale, then resigned.