§ 17. Sir ARCHIBALD WILLIAMSONasked how long negotiations for a rifle range near Elgin for the Sixth Battalion Seaforth (Territorial) Regiment have 365 lasted; whether they have yet been concluded; and what is the reason for the delay?
§ Colonel SEELYThe negotiations commenced in May, 1912, and are still proceeding, as it has not yet been found practicable to come to terms with the owner of the site which is considered most suitable for the range. It is hoped that arrangements can be made without resorting to compulsory purchase.
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONIs it not the case that this is the only suitable piece of land in the neighbourhood; that it is waste land and covered with whin and therefore of little value? Will the Army Council or the War Office consider putting into force their compulsory powers?
§ Colonel SEELYIt is much the most suitable, and greatly hope that we shall be able to secure it. As to compulsory powers, there is this great objection—they take such a long time.