HC Deb 25 November 1936 vol 318 cc415-6
38. Brigadier-General BROWN

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether the officials or advisers employed by the Ministry for the selection and acquisition of sites for aerodromes and other works in connection therewith have any agricultural qualifications or agricultural experience; and whether they consult the landowners with a view to siting stores or other works in connection with aerodromes with the least possible damage by severance to the adjoining farms?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Sir Philip Sassoon)

The answer to both parts of the question is in the affirmative.

Brigadier-General BROWN

Is it the practice in every case for the Ministry to consult the landowners concerned before entering into direct negotiations with their tenants?

Sir P. SASSOON

Certainly, it would be part of the duty of the land officer to consult with them.

39. Brigadier-General BROWN

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what is the total area of agricultural land acquired by the Air Ministry, or in respect of which notices to treat have been given by the Ministry, since 1st January, 1935, as sites for aerodromes or other works in connection therewith; the approximate additional area to be acquired for these purposes; and whether, in selecting such sites, the productivity and value of the land for agricultural purposes, or the damage done by the arbitrary selection of a portion of a farm, is taken into consideration by the Ministry?

Sir P. SASSOON

The total area asked for in the first part of the question is approximately 18,000 acres. As regards the second part, I regret that a useful estimate of the further total area to be acquired cannot be given at this stage, and as regards the last part, the considerations mentioned by my hon. and gallant Friend are given the fullest possible weight.

Brigadier-General BROWN

Is it a fact that no compensation whatever is paid in respect of the diminution in value of adjoining residential property resulting from the establishment of an aerodrome in the immediate vicinity?

Sir P. SASSOON

All questions of hardship are taken into account.

Captain HEILGERS

Can my right hon. Friend say how many agricultural workers have been displaced?