§ 72. Sir EDWIN CORNWALLasked the Prime Minister how many Government Departments or sections of Departments have, since the outbreak of war, been purchasing land or recommending the purchase of land; and whether he will consider the advisability of Government requirements in this direction being dealt with through one purchasing authority only?
§ The PRIME MINISTERSeveral Departments are concerned with the purchase of land for their own requirements as in peace time. My hon. Friend will 41 understand that land required for war purposes is not purchased outright unless there are special reasons in particular cases for preferring purchase to requisitioning. As regards the suggestion in the last part of the question, I am advised that the establishment of a single purchasing authority for all Departments is not practicable.