§ MR. O. V. MORGAN (Battersea)asked the First Commissioner of Works, Whether he has received any offer for the purchase of the ground-rent of any land adjacent to Battersea Park, leased or agreed to be leased for building purposes; whether such offer has been accepted or rejected; and, whether, having regard to Section 11 of the Act14 & 1393 15 Vict. c. 77, he considers himself at liberty to reject an offer made by a lease holder to purchase at a fair valuation the ground-rent reserved by his lease of land let to him for building purposes?
§ THE FIRST COMMISSIONER (Mr. PLUNKET) (Dublin University)The practice of the Office of Works has hitherto been, to inform lessees of land adjoining Battersea Park, who have desired to purchase their ground-rents, that we have power to sell, but that we do not propose to do so as yet, probably not until building operations in connection with the estate generally have been completed. I am advised that we have this discretion as to the time of selling these ground-rents, subject to Treasury control; and that our practice is not contrary to the section of the Act of Parliament quoted by the hon. Member.