§ MR. C. E. PRICE (Edinburgh, Central)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty about what date Rosyth was first considered by the Government of the day as suitable for a naval base; what steps were taken to ascertain its suitability or otherwise; whether any Report together with the evidence taken, was made; and, if so, whether full information will be laid upon the Table of the House.
§ MR. EDMUND ROBERTSONI understand that Rosyth first came under consideration early in 1902. The adoption of this site was first recommended by the Berthing Committee, and an examination of the land followed. The Berthing Committee took evidence, and their Report was presented to the House (Cd. 1649 of Session 1903). When definite proposals are laid before the House, the question of furnishing additional information will be considered.
§ MR. C. E. PRICEWill the evidence be laid with the Report?
§ MR. EDMUND ROBERTSONI will consider that when any definite proposal is made.
§ MR. WATTCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether negotiations with the Marquess of Linlithgow began before his return from Australia or afterwards?
§ MR. EDMUND ROBERTSONThat took place under the late Government, and I cannot say.
§ SIR GILBERT PARKER (Gravesend)May I ask whether the definite proposals will be made during this session?
§ MR.EDMUND ROBERTSONThat I cannot say.
§ MR. BELLAIRS (Lynn Regis)Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the definite proposals made by the late Government in August, 1905, were made before we knew what the nature of the bottom of the harbour was?
§ MR. EDMUND ROBERTSONI cannot be expected to answer that Question.
§ MAJOR ANSTRUTHER-GRAY (St. Andrews Burghs)Has the right hon. Gentleman had time to study the Return as to the bottom of the sea?
§ MR. C. E. PRICEI beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether Rosyth was purchased from the Marquess of Linlithgow in one or two lots; when the transaction was completed, the rental derived from the land prior to purchase, the acreage and gross amount paid for it, the conditions of sale as to minerals; and whether it leaves the Government free to quarry for stone for any of the naval works without further payment.
§ MR. EDMUND ROBERTSONI understand that the property at Rosyth acquired from Lord Linlithgow was purchased in one lot. The purchase of the land and foreshore was completed on the 31st July, 1903;the purchase of minerals was completed on the 18th November, 1903. The rental prior to purchase was £1,288 15s. per annum. The acreage acquired was 911½ acres of land and 236 acres of foreshore. The price paid for the land and foreshore was £100,000, and for the minerals £12,250. The Admiralty have acquired all the minerals on the property, and have full rights of quarrying. Certain adjacent property was acquired at the same time from Mr. Newton, amounting to 266 acres of land and 50 acres of foreshore, at a cost of £22,500 including all mineral rights. This property includes valuable quarries which could be used for the works.
§ MR. MORTON (Sutherland)Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us how many 1054 years purchase was paid for this property?
§ MR. EDMUND ROBERTSONThat is an arithmetical question which the hon. Gentleman is quite competent to solve.
§ MR. ALEXANDER CROSS (Glasgow, Camlachie)Were means taken to assess the value of these lands impartially, or did the Department which the right hon. Gentleman represents make the valuation themselves?
§ MR. EDMUND ROBERTSONasked for notice of the Question.