HC Deb 24 November 1937 vol 329 cc1217-8
60. Mr. Kelly

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he can now state the result of the negotiations of the Blackpool Corporation for the acquisition of about 350 acres of land at Lytharn for the purpose of its aerodrome; whether the price has been agreed upon, what is the price; and what was the rateable value previous to purchase?

The Under-Secretary of State for Air (Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead)

I understand that the Corporation of Blackpool have provisionally agreed to acquire about 167 acres at£280 per acre; the rest of the acreage referred to is already owned by them, but I am unaware of the price paid. I further understand that the land was agricultural land and therefore derated.

Mr. T. Williams

Could the Under-Secretary say how it is that we pay three, four or five times the agricultural value of land when it is bought for aerodromes?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

No, I could not tell the hon. Member in this case.

Mr. Williams

May I ask the hon. and gallant Member whether he is keeping an eye on the colossal prices which are being paid for purely and exclusively agricultural land bought for this purpose?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

The hon. Member will see that this is a case in which the Corporation of Blackpool are buying the land.

Mr. Kelly

Is it possible for us to know the names of the people from whom this land is purchased?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

Perhaps the hon. Member will put that question down.