HC Deb 12 May 1931 vol 252 cc978-9
36. Mr. MACLEAN

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the extent of land which was required for the proposed Bo'ness to South Queensferry short road; and whether he can state the total price asked for the land by the respective landowners?

Mr. WESTWOOD

I am informed that the extent of land required was 46.34 acres and that the total claims in respect of it, including certain claims for damages by the occupiers on various grounds and possibly in respect of some minerals, amounted to £9,597. There were, in addition, claims for £1,055 in respect of timber; £15,550 for damage to amenity; and £28,758 for the value of certain minerals if purchased.

Mr. MACLEAN

May I take it from the figures which have been given by the Under-Secretary that the total amount to be paid for this land, including the claim for damages by the occupiers, is approximately £58,000?

Mr. WESTWOOD

No, the exact figure is £54,960.

Mr. MACLEAN

While thanking the hon. Gentleman for his exact answer, may I point out that I asked him for the approximate figure?

Mr. WESTWOOD

I have given the exact figure.

Mr. MACLEAN

That is all right.

38. Mr. MACLEAN

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that part of the land required for the proposed road between Bo'ness and South Queensferry amounts to 25 acres; that the price asked for that acreage and damage to amenities and unworked minerals was £48,113; that the gross annual value of this land is £225 and the rateable value £28 5s.; and whether he can obtain the particulars of the rateable values of the other lands which were included in the scheme and the respective prices asked for them?

Mr. WESTWOOD

My right hon. Friend has no information on these matters but he is making inquiry and will communicate the result to my hon. Friend.

Mr. MACLEAN

As the Under-Secretary has given me the exact figures in answer to a previous question, why is it that he cannot give the figures for this particular part of the area?

Mr. WESTWOOD

It is due to the fact that we have not had the necessary time for making full inquiries, but I can assure the hon. Member that we are making inquiries, and that as soon as we get the results of those inquiries I will communicate with the hon. Member.

Major COLFOX

Is it not a fact that Question No. 38 contains practically all the information asked for in the answer to Question No. 36?

Mr. MACLEAN

Is it not a fact that different information is asked for at the end of Question 38 to which these figures refer, and if the hon. and gallant Member had read the question he would have known?