HC Deb 19 May 1931 vol 252 cc1772-3
51. Brigadier-General BROWN

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what Government lands or properties have been sold since 1929 up to date; what is the total amount they were sold for; and whether these properties are now in the hands of private persons or local authorities?

Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCE

I am afraid that I cannot add anything to the reply which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member on the 12th May.

Brigadier-General BROWN

What was the object of the Chancellor of the Exchequer in setting up the Howard Frank Committee to advise on the selling of Government property, if no land has been sold?

Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCE

The hon. and gallant Member is not correct in saying that no land has been sold. In the answer which I gave him I told him that land had been sold, but it would be a matter of very great trouble to give a complete list of all the parcels of land sold, and the prices.

Brigadier-General BROWN

How can the Government justify selling land to private people, while at the same time introducing legislation to fine private people for owning land?