HC Deb 09 June 1942 vol 380 cc901-2
71. Sir H. Morris-Jones

asked the Minister of Agriculture why his Department agreed to sanction the use of good agricultural land at Colwyn Bay for the purpose of constructing offices for a Government Department when derelict building land, properly sewered, is available in the borough, apart from vacant residences which could be utilised?

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture (Mr. T. Williams)

My right hon. Friend agreed to the use of this site only after all efforts to obtain a suitable alternative site on land of lower agricultural value had failed. The derelict land was too small in area for the particular Department's requirements.

Sir H. Morris-Jones

Is it not a fact that the Land Commissioner and the chief executive officer of the war agricultural committee recommended another site of no agricultural value? How is it that the Minister sanctioned the use of good land when existing buildings are available which could be made suitable?

Mr. Williams

The hon. Gentleman has already learned from my right hon. Friend that alternative sites had been examined.

Mr. Rhys Davies

May we take it that the building of offices at Colwyn Bay means the beginning of granting Home Rule to the Principality?