§ 27. Lieut.-Colonel MOOREasked the Minister of Agriculture what is the highest rate per square foot charged for ground rent fixed since the War in Regent Street; what is the lowest; and what are the reasons for the difference between these two amounts?
§ Mr. ELLIOTOmitting premises in. Upper Regent Street and Lower Regent Street, where different conditions obtain, the highest rate charged was 37s., as a result of an offer obtained by competitive public tender in 1923, and the lowest rate was 17s. 10d., agreed after private negotiations immediately after the War, in January, 1919. Apart from the factor of open competition, the higher rate of 1923 may be ascribed to the rise in the general market value of land since 1919 and to the fact that the site concerned was a corner site with additional frontage and therefore had a special value.
§ Lieut.-Colonel MOOREIn view of the economic changes which have taken place in the last 10 years, will my right hon. Friend be prepared to give consideration to the grossly excessive rents that are now being charged?
§ Mr. ELLIOTI am always ready to give consideration to any representations made to me by my hon. and gallant Friend.