§ Mr. C. BATHURSTasked whether it is the practice of the Office of Works to charge, or endeavour to charge, the local education authority for school sites in the Forest of Dean at the rate of 30s. per perch, regardless of the consideration whether such site is in a populous town or village, or on forest land of but little more than prairie value.
§ Mr. MASTERMANCrown land sold for school sites or other purposes is sold at its fair market value.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTasked whether, in view of the nature and geographical position of the proposed site and the poverty of the locality, the Crown will consent to sell to the Gloucestershire local education authority land at Five Acres, near Cole-ford, in the Forest of Dean, for the erection thereon of a public elementary school, at less than 30s. per perch, or the sum of £381 for the site; and, if not, whether, in pursuance of the statement made by the late Secretary to the Treasury on 15th December, 1911, the Commissioners of Woods will exercise their power to make a donation towards the cost of the new school out of the income of the land revenues of the Crown?
§ Mr. MASTERMANAs stated by my predecessor in answer to a similar question on 14th December last, the price asked for this site is considered to be the fair market value of the land, and it cannot therefore be sold for less. I am unable to sanction a donation towards the cost of the school by the Commissioners of Woods, under their statutory powers, out of the land revenues of the Crown. The Crown contributes to the local rates in common with other landowners.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTIs the hon. Gentleman aware that such terms as these for waste land will cause the Crown to be regarded as an exceptionally exacting landlord in this part of the country?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI am told that other land of the same character close by was sold at the same rate.
§ Mr. WEDGWOODAt what price is the land rated?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI cannot tell that without notice.