HC Deb 22 February 1927 vol 202 cc1563-4
24. Sir A. SINCLAIR

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether inquiries were received from prospective purchasers or agents subsequent to the last public exposure of the estate of Erribol as to the possibility of any offer of a lump sum for the estate of Erribol and the sheep stock on the farm being accepted; and whether any indication of an inclusive figure was given by inquiries?

Sir J. GILMOUR

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. In one case an inclusive figure was tentatively indicated which, on examination, did not appear to be so favourable as the offer I accepted.

Sir A. SINCLAIR

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the question on the Paper, and tell me what was that inclusive figure?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I never had any firm offer, except the one I have dealt with.

Sir A. SINCLAIR

Was another bidder encouraged to compete against the purchaser who eventually got it, or was he choked off?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I am bound to say that I can only do business with those who make me a firm offer.

25. Sir A. SINCLAIR

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the customary procedure in Scottish arbitrations, for the arbiter to issue proposed findings and to allow each party a limited time within which to make representations if so advised against his proposed findings in order to assist him before he issues his final award, was followed in the case of Erribol; and whether any representations have been lodged by him or the Board of Agriculture against the valuation of the Erribol sheep stock?

Sir J. GILMOUR

In the case of Erribol the parties agreed that the valuation should be made by the valuator, whose opinion should be taken as final, and it is the practice in such cases for the valuator to issue his award without proposed findings. This practice was followed in the case of Erribol. The answer to the second part of the question is accordingly in the negative.

Sir A. SINCLAIR

Is not the reverse procedure being almost universally followed in Scotland, and universally followed by the Board of Agriculture? Why was an exception made in this case?

Sir J. GILMOUR

The hon. Baronet is confusing arbitration and valuation. This was a case purely of valuation and an agreed arrangement, come to by both parties, to accept the findings of the individual concerned.

Mr. G. PETO

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us the approximate cost to the country of these persistent questions?