§ 75. Mr. Kellyasked the Under Secretary of State for Air whether he can now state the result of the hearing, begun at York on 9th February, in connection with the claim for £43,626 by University College, Oxford, owners of the Langton Ouse estate, for 417 acres of land being compulsorily acquired by the Air Ministry for the new aerodrome intended as part of the scheme of air defence for the North; and what was the rateable value of this land previous to purchase?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Air (Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead)The claim in question was referred to arbitration and an award of 32,787 was made, but a question of law arising out of this arbitration has still to be decided by the High Court. I have no information as to the rateable value of the land, but as it was agricultural it was derated.
§ Mr. KellyIn view of the fact that the case has been prepared by the hon. and gallant Gentleman's Department, will he ascertain what is the rateable value? Surely the question must have been raised in the course of the discussions?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadI will look into that point, but I have already explained that agricultural land is derated and it is very difficult to arrive at it.
§ Mr. RileyCan the hon. and gallant Gentleman say whether the whole of the land is agricultural land; and, if so, has he noted the fact that it is over £100 an acre?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadThe whole of the land is agricultural land.