§ 31. Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the sale of property in Bedford known as Drapers Corner, purchased by the corporation for street widening, and the surplus property not required being resold; and whether, having regard to the fact that a portion of the property was sold to a member of the council at a price lower than that offered by the sitting tenant, he will authorise a public inquiry?
Sir H. YOUNGThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I have already made some inquiry into the facts and have no reason to suppose that the Council did not sell the land at the best price obtainable or that its action was in any respect unbusiness-like or irregular.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that this action on the part of the local authorities is causing a good deal of disquietude in the district and will he authorise an inquiry?
Sir H. YOUNGNo, Sir. I have explained to the hon. Member already that I have made inquiries into the circumstances, and I have found no ground upon which to base a further inquiry.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSWill the right hon. Gentleman publish the correspondence between himself and the local authorities?
Sir H. YOUNGNo, Sir; the answer is in the negative. There was not any correspondence which it would be to the public advantage to publish.