HC Deb 17 April 1923 vol 162 cc1839-40
29. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if Park Hall camp, Oswestry, has been disposed of privately by the War Office; if he is aware that this property consists of nearly 400 acres of land, with several good houses on it, close to the town, and was equipped with railways, roads, sewers, Liverpool water, electric light, and sewage disposal works, at a cost of many thousands of pounds to the taxpayers; and if he, will state why the property was not offered for sale publicly by auction or public tender?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Major Boyd-Carpenter)

The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative, with the qualifications that the sale was effected by the Disposal and Liquidation Commission and that. part of the property is still occupied by the War Department as an ordnance depot—the continuance of that occupation, at a rental of £178 per annum for 89 acres so long as required, being one of the conditions of sale. This rental is decidedly favourable to the Commission, taking into account the buildings situated on the land. In the case of sales of landed property, it is impracticable to adopt a general rule of sale by public tender, sales by private treaty having in many instances resulted in better prices being obtained. In this particular case it was presumably common knowledge that the property was for disposal; and, after examination by experts, the sale was considered an advantageous one from the point of view both of conditions and of price.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that a great many reputable bodies bid for this valuable property, and the whole thing was disposed of out of hand to people who were of no substance, and no one knows where they got the money?

Major BOYD-CARPENTER

I can only say that enquiries were made, and that a highly gratifying price was received.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Is it not a fact that this sale is not finally closed, and will the hon. and gallant Gentleman look into the matter to see whether a better price is not obtainable locally?

Major BOYD-CARPENTER

With the qualification I have given.