HC Deb 14 December 1926 vol 200 cc2746-7
13. Major Sir AREHIBALD SINCLAIR

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the furniture in the shooting lodge at Erribol is to be taken over at valuation by the purchaser; and, if so, by whom it is to be valued?

The SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Sir John Gilmour)

The furniture in the lodge at Erribof has been taken over at valuation by the purchaser; the valuer was Mr. F. Thomson, Braes of Enzic, Portgordon, who was the sole arbiter for the valuations of the sheep stock and others to be taken over by the purchaser of the estate.

Sir A. SINCLAIR

Is there any precedent for a sheep farmer valuing the furniture in a shooting lodge. Is it not the fact that when the Scottish Board of Agriculture bought this property the sheep farmer who was carrying out the valuation declined to act?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I am not aware of the facts, but obviously an arbitrator was agreed upon between the parties.

Mr. MAXTON

Is there any foundation for the belief very prevalent among the Scottish population that this whole transaction is nothing but a barefaced scandal?

Sir J. GILMOUR

There is no ground for a supposition of that kind.

Mr. JOHNSTON

Is the right hon. Gentleman now in possession of the arbiter's report, and, if so, will he take steps to have it laid on the Table of the House?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I have already answered that question. I will supply the House with all the information that I receive.

Mr. JOHNSTON

Has the right hon. Gentleman got the report yet?

Sir J. GILMOUR

No, I have not got the full details.

14. Sir A. SINCLAIR

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how much was spent by the Board of Agriculture, while the estate of Erribof was in their possession, on drainage, permanent improvements, and manures; and whether the Board of Agriculture are to receive the usual valuations at outgoing for these?

Sir J. GILMOUR

The answer to the first part of the question is as follows: On drainage, £415 10s. 6d.; on permanent improvements, £670 16s. 10d.; on manures, £478 3s. 9d.; the two former amounts include expenditure on necessary repairs. The purchase price is an inclusive price, and it is not usual for items of the character referred to in the question to be valued apart from the purchase price in the case of the sale of a property which has been in the occupation of the seller.

Sir A. SINCLAIR

Surely it is the case in all sales of property that almost invariably there is compensation paid for improvements?

Sir J. NAIL

Will the history of this example of the public ownership of land be circulated for the information of hon. Members opposite?