HC Deb 02 August 1939 vol 350 cc2357-8
27. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Minister of Transport what steps he pro poses to take to secure for the community the increased site values of neighbouring land resulting from the expenditure of £106,000,000 of public money on approved road schemes during the next five years?

Captain Wallace

As regards land purchased by highway authorities for road improvements, the position is that in fixing the price of the land account is taken of any enhanced value of other land which will accrue to the vendors by reason of the road works. The question of the taxation of any profits which may accrue to other owners of land as a result of road improvements is not a matter for the Minister of Transport.

Mr. Henderson

Is the Minister aware that in a recent case in which the Middlesex County Council was concerned, it was admitted that the value of land belonging to neighbouring landowners increased to an extent of £14,000,000? Does he not think that the community should share in this increased value

Captain Wallace

Whatever I may think about it, it is a matter for another Department.

Sir Herbert Williams

Has the Minister made any calculation as to the extent to which these gentleman get soaked when they die?

Captain Sir William Brass

May I ask whether the £106,000,000 mentioned in the question refers to new roads or to the widening of other roads?

Captain Wallace

I cannot take responsibility for the figures in the question. I can only deal with my own answer.