HC Deb 20 March 1919 vol 113 cc2224-5
49. Lieutenant-Colonel WEIGALL

asked the Prime Minister what are the duties of the Directorate of Lands, War Office, Ministry of Munitions, Air Ministry, and Ministry of Shipping; and, in particular, whether they include any duties in connection with compulsory acquisition of lands?

The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Churchill)

My right hon. Friend has asked me to take this question. I will circulate the reply, giving the duties in detail, with the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The following is the reply referred to:

TheDirectorate of Lands acts in all matters connected with lands and buildings for the War Office, Ministry of Munitions, Air Ministry, and Ministry of Shipping, and in several directions for other Government Departments. The work includes, inter alia:

  1. 1. The administration of lands both at home and in the Colonies of over 450,000 acres.
    2. 2225
  2. 2.The examination of Parliamentary Bills and schemes promoted by municipal authorities affecting the different Departments' proprietary interests, and legal business other than conveyancing connected with the same, also the framing of emergency by-laws for the use of land; for rifle and artillery ranges, camps, etc.
  3. 3. Valuations and negotiation for purchase, sale, hiring, or letting of lands and buildings.
  4. 4. The compulsory purchase of land under the Defence Acts, the Military Lands Acts, and the Defence of the Realm (Acquisition of Land) Act, including arbitrations.
  5. 5. The taking over of lands and buildings for emergency purposes either under the Defence of the Realm powers or by agreement.
  6. 6. The examination of and presentation to the Defence of the Realm Losses Com mission of claims arising out of occupations under emergency powers (over 5,400 such claims have already been dealt with): the assessment of dilapidation claims arising under Defence of the Realm powers or agreements.
  7. 7. Valuations and reports for reconstruction purposes of lands, buildings, and machinery. The total valuations exceed £100,000,000.
  8. 8. The cultivation for food production purposes of surplus land in the occupation of the. War Office, Ministry of Munitions, and Air Ministry.
  9. 9. The disposal under the instructions of the Disposal Board of all surplus lands, buildings, factories, etc., belonging to any Government Department.