§ 55. Mr. Maclayasked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether lie has considered the petition from 12 farmers in Renfrewshire petitioning on public and personal grounds against compulsory acquisition by the Government of their farm lands and means of livelihood; and what action he proposes to take with regard to the petition?
§ Sir T. InskipI have given full consideration to this petition, and I have replied to the petitioners that the proposed factory forms an essential part of the Government's defence programme, and a large area of land is necessary because of the nature of the work to be carried out. The Bishopton site was selected after the fullest examination of all possibilities and of the labour position, as being the most suitable. In these circumstances, although the disturbance of the signatories of the petition is very much regretted, the decision to acquire the land is one that must be upheld.