§ 44. Sir E. CORNWALLasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can state the number of Governments Departments who have been purchasing land during the War; whether these Departments all act independently; and what information he has as to the prices which have been paid?
§ Mr. McKENNAAs regards the first two parts of the question, I beg to refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to him by the Prime Minister on the 7th November. As regards the last part, the general rule is that no Government Department may purchase land outright without Treasury sanction, though certain Departments have discretionary power to purchase within prescribed limits (in the case of the War Office £1,000). These limits have not been raised since the outbreak of War.
§ Mr. RAFFANIn all these purchases, has regard been had to the price as ascertained by valuation?
§ Mr. McKENNAI should like to have notice of that question It would involve much inquiry as regards every purchase, but I assume that would be the case.
§ Sir E. CORNWALLIs the Treasury far too busy for any proper control over these Government Departments buying land all over the country at any price they like?
§ Mr. McKENNASo far as we retain our control we exercise it, and this is one of the matters over which we have control.