§ 12. Mr. R. Gibsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has given his sanction to the purchase by the Greenock Corporation of an area of ground extending to about 300 acres at Murdieston Farm; what part of the site is intended for use as a recreation park; for what purpose the remainder of this area is intended; what price has been agreed upon or paid for this land; and what was the rateable value previous to acquisition?
§ Mr. ColvilleThe corporation inform me that they recently purchased 76.5 acres of ground at Nether Murdieston for the purpose of safeguarding part of the burgh water supply. My sanction is not required to a purchase of this nature. The corporation are, I understand, considering whether the land could be made available for purposes of recreation, but have reached no decision. The price paid for the land was£8,000, and its rateable value before acquisition was £25.
§ Mr. GibsonIs that agricultural land?
§ Mr. ColvilleI understand so.