§ 80. Major CHRISTOPHER LOWTHERasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether any progress has been made in the matter of the sale of Gretna?
§ Sir J. BAIRDAbout 4,600 acres of surplus agricultural land, farm buildings and woods and 24 bungalows in the townships of Eastriggs and Gretna, have been sold to the Board of Agriculture for Scotland 1054 for the lands settlement scheme. This property, together with certain church sites and canteens realised, approximately, £110,000. In addition, approximately, £140,000 has been realised by the sale of certain temporary hutments, furnishings and materials recovered from buildings, the destruction of which was essential owing to their being impregnated with explosives, and by the sale of factory stores and materials. No satisfactory offer has been received for the factory as a whole and, as the hon. and gallant Member for Dumfries was informed on the 23rd May, unless such an offer is forthcoming without delay the Disposal Board will take steps to realise the property piecemeal to the best advantage.