HC Deb 28 February 1939 vol 344 cc1080-1
62. Mr. Garro Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that in December last the Aberdeen Ice Rink, Limited, published an invitation to subscribe capital on the basis that their offer to feu a certain site had been accepted by the town council; that the land had not then been advertised for public roup in accordance with statutory requirements; that when it was so advertised prospective bidders of a higher feu-duty found that the articles of roup contained a condition that the site could be used only for an ice rink; and whether, in view of the fact that by this condition the statutory safeguard for the ratepayers was rendered illusory, he will take steps to annul this transaction or otherwise to safeguard the public interest?

Mr. Colville

I have no information with regard to the first part of the question. As regards the remainder of the question, I am informed by the corporation that, on receipt of an offer by the company to purchase a piece of land forming part of the common good of the city, they indicated that they were prepared to dispose of the land in accordance with the statutory procedure. The land was subsequently advertised for public roup on three successive weeks, as required by Statute, under conditions allowing a building to be erected for use as an ice rink or for such other purposes as the town council might approve. As I have already indicated to the hon. Member, the matter is not one in regard to which I have any jurisdiction.

Mr. Garro Jones

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that, by the sale of this land with a label attached to it indicating that it was for an ice rink, the only persons who were prepared to pay a much higher price for the land were dissuaded from buying it, and that the council thereby evaded the statutory safeguards laid down by this House?

Mr. Colville

My information is that the town council of Aberdeen indicated that it was to be used for an ice rink or such other purposes as the council might approve.

Mr. Garro Jones

Having regard to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, and to the fact that it will be necessary to give fuller details of this transaction, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter at the first opportunity on the Motion for the Adjournment of the House.