HC Deb 27 February 1939 vol 344 cc901-2
61. Mr. Maxton

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the purchase of the Richmond and Gordon estates, in the counties of Moray and Banff, by the Crown Land Commissioners, has been completed; whether he can state the reasons for this purchase; what was the price paid; and to what uses is it pro posed to put the property?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

The purchase to which the hon. Member refers has been completed. The property was acquired in the ordinary way of business under the Crown Lands Acts, which provide that capital which would otherwise be held by the Commissioners in stocks and shares shall be invested in land as and when suitable opportunities occur. The purchase price paid, for about 90,000 acres of land, including Gordon Castle, six villages, and valuable fishing and sporting rights, was £525,000. Like other Crown estates, this estate was bought for investment purposes and will no doubt continue, generally speaking, to be used for much the same purposes as in the past, the net annual revenue being paid into the Exchequer.

Mr. Davidson

Does that reply mean that those estates are to be used primarily for sporting purposes?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

Primarily they will be used as they are being used at the present time.

Mr. J. Morgan

As this amounts to a virtual nationalisation of land, may I ask how the purchase money, some £500,000, was secured? Was it handed over in some form of securities or cash?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

Under the Crown Lands Acts capital which is held by the Commissioners in stocks and shares has to be invested in land as occasion arises, and this was a good occasion for investment in land.

Mr. Morgan

You mean that you handed over stocks and shares?

Mr. Maxton

Can the Minister say what were the circumstances which made the purchase of this estate a more suitable investment than another?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

It was just one of the opportunities which occur. The Crown Lands Commissioners are always looking out for opportunities for investing in land.

Mr. Maxton

To what purpose will Gordon Castle be put?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

I should require notice of that question.

Mr. T. Williams

Are we to understand from the Minister's reply that the Government have no opposition to the nationalising of land?

Sir P. Harris

Will the land be used for purposes like the post-war agricultural settlements?