68. Mr. FRED HALL (Dulwich)asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if the Duke of Bedford has been approached at any time with a view to the purchase of his Thorney Island estate; and if, in connection with any negotiations that took place, a suggestion was made that the rentals of existing tenants on the estate should be raised before the completion of the purchase?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANIn 1908–9, my Noble Friend the Marquess of Lincolnshire, who was then President of the Board of Agriculture and ex-officio a Commissioner of Woods, had certain negotiations with the Duke for the purchase of part of his Thorney estate as an investment for land revenue moneys. These negotiations were very fully explained by my Noble Friend in another place on the 1st December, 1909, and I would refer the hon. Member to the official Report of what he then said.
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI have already replied. [HON. MEMBERS: "No, no."]
§ Viscount HELMSLEYCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative or negative?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI cannot reply to the last part of the question in terms the hon. Gentleman dictates to me.