§ 61. Colonel WOODCOCKasked the Secretary of State for Air what was the total cost of Cranwell farm, including all capital charges of outlay; what is the acreage of the farm; and how much per acre is being received from the present tenant?
§ Sir S. HOAREIn answer to the first part of the question, the farm was part of a much larger area which was purchased as a whole by the Admiralty, and no separate purchase price can be quoted for it. The capital expenditure on buildings and fencing since purchase has been £3,945. As regards the second and third parts of the question, the acreage is 385, and the rent received is 10s. per acre for 343 acres and 15s. per acre for 42 acres.
§ Colonel WOODCOCKDoes the right hon. Gentleman not think this is a very inadequate payment, seeing the cost of the ground and the money that has already been spent upon it?
§ Sir S. HOAREIt was the best rent we could get in the neighbourhood. I do not think it compares unfavourably with the rent in the proximity of the station.