38. Mr. T. THOMSONasked the Minister of Health if he will give the following particulars in connection with the purchase of land required for the London County Council housing scheme at Bellingham: Area of site, price asked by vendor, price offered by London County Council, value according to Land Valuation Department, and sum awarded by arbitrator?
§ Dr. ADDISONThe total acreage of the housing estate of the London county council at Bellingham is 294¼ acres. 114¾ acres were bought by agreement. The owner of the remaining 134½ acres agreed to a friendly arbitration as to the price. The expert witness for the vendor placed before the arbitrator a valuation of £79,000. The valuation of the Inland Revenue Department was £30,619. The Ministry had advised an unconditional offer of £32,000. The arbitrator awarded £31,529.
Mr. THOMSONHow many similar cases would be required to pay the whole of the cost of the Land Valuation Department for one year?
§ Dr. ADDISONIn this case alone it will take several years.