HC Deb 29 May 1913 vol 53 cc328-9
77. Mr. JAMES HOGGE

asked how much the War Office paid for the Dreghorn estate; what is its extent; what purposes it is to be put to; and how much it was rated at?

Mr. TENNANT

It is not considered expedient at the present time to publish any information concerning the points raised.

Mr. RAFFAN

Are these huge sums to be paid without any intimation being given?

Mr. TENNANT

My hon. Friend is aware all these matters come before the Public Accounts Committee at the end of the year. In the event of there being purchases in the immediate vicinity it is obviously in the public interest we should not give the information.

Mr. RAFFAN

Will the Public Accounts Committee have an intimation of what the land was rated at?

Mr. TENNANT

Yes, they can get all the information if they want it.

Mr. J. HOGGE

If that is so, how is it the right hon. Gentleman is unable to give the House the information?

Mr. TENNANT

I am not willing to give the House the information. I think I made it clear it is not in the public interest to give this information to the House at the present moment because of contemplated purchases in the vicinity.

Mr. WEDGWOOD

How is that affected by the present rateable value?

Mr. RAFFAN

Will the Public Accounts Committee have any power of dealing with this matter twelve months from this date?

Mr. J. HOGGE

I beg to give notice that I will raise this question on the Adjournment.