43. Mr. T. THOMSONasked the Minister of Health if he will issue a Return to date, and continue to do so monthly or quarterly, of all cases where land acquired by local authorities for housing purposes under the 1919 Acts has, by means of the assistance of the Land Valuation Department, been purchased at a price 25 per cent. or more cheaper than that originally demanded; will he show in each case the price originally asked, price recommended by local authority, purchase price sanctioned by the Ministry, name of local authority, and name of owner of land; and will he give the grand totals of cost in the case of all land purchased to date and in the future with the assistance of the Land Valuation Department?
§ The MINISTER of HEALTH (Dr. Addison)I have consulted the Board of Inland Revenue and I am advised that the publication of the details suggested would be undesirable and might prejudicially affect future negotiations for the purchase of land. On the other hand, periodical statements as to the total cost of the land purchased and showing the average saving which has been affected by means of these negotiations have been and will continue to be issued.