HC Deb 18 June 1940 vol 362 cc31-2
53. Mr. Stokes

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the Fifth Report from the Select Committee on National Expenditure, wherein it is stated that 160 acres of bogland were purchased at a price of £26,637 for a repair depot; that that site has since been abandoned; and whether he will demand a repayment of the purchase money to the Government, or alternatively, assess that sale for 100 per cent. Excess Profits Tax?

Sir K. Wood

I am aware of the report to which the hon. Member refers. I read the committee's criticisms as directed not against the price paid for the land but against the selection of this site for a repair depot in view of the expense of preparing it for heavy buildings.

Mr. Stokes

Does not the Chancellor realise that the criticism of the people is against the price paid for the land and that it is a scandal that land of this kind—[Interruption.]

Mr. Speaker

rose—

Mr. Stokes

In view of the fact that that Supplementary Question was reasonably framed, may I ask for a reply?

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member has been a Member of the House long enough to know that Supplementary Questions must be framed in equally reasonable language to that of the Question on the Order Paper. The kind of adjective he has used would not be allowed in a Question on the Paper, and cannot be used in a Supplementary Question.

Mr. Shinwell

May I ask the Chancellor whether he regards the price paid as reasonable for this kind of land?

Sir K. Wood

That is not a matter to which my attention has been directed. I was asked whether, in fact, the Committee adversely reported on the question of the price, and I said in my answer that I read the criticism as being directed against the selection of the site for a repair depot.

Mr. Stokes

In view of the public concern in this matter, will the Chancellor have a proper investigation made into the price paid?

Sir K. Wood

I will certainly communicate with the Departments concerned.

Sir Percy Harris

Has anybody been brought to book for this transaction? Has the responsibility been brought home?

Sir K. Wood

As I read the report, certain steps have been taken.

Mr. De la Bère

Surely the Chancellor will not acquiesce in this laisser faire method, of which we have had too much already?

Mr. Silverman

On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. May I ask for your guidance in view of the remarks you have just made? Are we to assume that no matter how preposterous a transaction may be or how preposterously extravagant a price may be paid for a piece of land, it is unparliamentary to describe it as a scandal?

Mr. Speaker

That might be reasonable in Debate in some cases, but not in a Supplementary Question or in a Question on the Paper.