HC Deb 02 August 1939 vol 350 cc2379-80
80. Mr. Kennedy

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether a decision has been reached regarding the proposed naval air station at Balcomie, Fife; what acreage of land is involved; and on what basis compensation for disturbance of agricultural interests is to be fixed?

Mr. Shakespeare

I would refer the right hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for East Fife (Mr. H. Stewart) on 26th July [Official Report, Col. 1443]. About 500 acres of land are being acquired and the compensation to be paid for the disturbance of agricultural interests will be assessed in accordance with the provisions of the Acquisition of Land (Assessment of Compensation) Act, 1919.

Mr. Henderson Stewart

Could my hon. Friend say whether farmers will be permitted to harvest their crops before the work begins?

Mr. Shakespeare

In so far as that can be done we shall aim at that, but if it cannot be done, owing to the time at which operations must start, compensation will be paid for the crop.