§ COLONEL GILPINasked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, If he would inform the House by what authority Her Majesty's Commissioners of Woods and Forests had purchased a portion of the Dynevor Estate in Bedfordshire, and from what fund the purchase money has been paid; and, whether Her Majesty's Commissioners are aware of, and have sanctioned, the proceedings of the land agent in treating with the old tenants?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERThe estate of Stagsden, in Bedfordshire, was purchased under the authority of the Act 10 Geo. IV. c. 50, s. 108, and of a Treasury Warrant, dated September 12, 1873, out of monies derived from the sale of parts of the possessions and land revenues of the Crown, according to the provisions of the Land Revenue Acts. All claims by the tenants in respect of permanent improvements were, by the terms of the contract, to be satisfied by the vendors, and it is believed that their claims have been satisfied. Before offering the estate for re-letting, the Commissioner of Woods in charge of the property had a valuation made by a competent surveyor, as required by the Land Revenue Acts, and he has no power to let any part of it for less than may appear to be a reasonable rent. Two of the tenants have died, and the farm of one of them has been added to another holding. All the farms upon the estate as so re-arranged, with the exception of two, have been re-let to former tenants upon the terms proposed to them, and negotiations are pending with the occupying tenants with regard to those two farms. The Commissioner of Woods in charge of the estate is aware of, and has sanctioned, the proceedings of his land agent, which have met with his entire approval.