HC Deb 18 March 1918 vol 104 c655
60. Mr. WATT

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what fees have been paid or are arranged to be paid by the Director of Lands for the War Office, the Air Board, and the Ministry of Munitions to valuers outside his own Department in connection with the purchase of land for Government purposes; and whether he will furnish the House with the names of the individuals so employed?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Macpherson)

The Director-General of Lands has been fortunate in being able in many cases to arrange with eminent surveyors to value property on behalf of the Government at less than the usual fees, the profession as a whole being anxious to help the Government in every way during the War. In these circumstances it would hardly seem fair to state in the House all the fees that have been agreed upon.

Mr. WATT

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this work is done by one of the Government Departments for the Admiralty, and why are these three other Departments brought in from the outside?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I am not aware that any other Department has taken land for the Admiralty.