§ MR. WATT (Glasgow, College)To ask the Secretary of State for War what were the dates on which the two valuations were made of the land at Kilcreggan purchased from the Duke of Argyll; whether they differ materially; if so, by how much; and if he will say what circumstances justified the payment of the price of £14,500 for a property of £60 annual valuation.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) The valuations were made on 21st March and 4th July, 1901. The difference between them was material; but I have already told my hon. friend that the amounts could not be disclosed. My hon. friend is doubtless aware of the heavy cost of arbitration proceedings, and he will therefore understand that it is far cheaper for the War Department to make the arrangement in question than to proceed to arbitration.