§ 20. Mr. JOHNSTONasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been called to the decision of the police and law committee of the county council of Ayr, on 3rd February, to pay a higher price for land for a junior instruction centre at Dairy than the district valuer had reported to be justified; and under what statutory authority was an agent of the vendor present as a public representative and taking part in the meeting which came to the decision?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI am aware of the circumstances referred to in the first part of the question. With regard to the second part of the question, I am informed that the agent of the proprietor of one part of the ground (in respect of which the difference in feu was only 19s. 6d.) is a member of the county council and of the police and law committee. He was present at the meeting of the police and law committee which made the recommendation but took no part in the proceedings and refrained from voting. He was not present at the county council meeting at which the matter was decided.
§ Mr. JOHNSTONDid the Department acquiesce in the payment of a larger sum for this land than is approved of by the district valuer?
§ Sir G. COLLINSIn this case I do not think the Department for which I am responsible is called upon to express any opinion on the subject.
§ Mr. JOHNSTONHas the right hon. Gentleman satisfied himself on the point?
§ Sir G. COLLINSIt is not a matter for my Department.
§ Mr. JOHNSTONIs it not under the right hon. Gentleman's control?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI will make further inquiries, but the information that I have is as I have stated.