§ 47. Mr. Granvilleasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in the event of Government acquisition of agricultural land under crops for the purpose of erecting buildings, or constructing aerodromes, farmers receive compensation for the loss to their general farm economy?
§ The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. R. S. Hudson)The basis of compensation in respect of the acquisition of land for defence purposes is contained in the Defence Acts, and compensation is assessable in accordance with the provisions of the Acquisition of Land (Assessment of Compensation) Act, 1919. If, however, the land is requisitioned under Defence Regulations the compensation is determined in accordance with Section 2 of the Compensation (Defence) Act, 1939.
§ Mr. GranvilleWho is responsible for making a valuation, and how long is the farmer kept waiting before he is given compensation for crops on land requisitioned?
§ Mr. HudsonPerhaps my hon. Friend will put that question down.
Mr. De la BèreDoes the right hon. Gentleman recall a case in Worcestershire which I put to him early this month, and has any action been taken?
§ Mr. HudsonI must have notice of that question.
§ Mr. GranvilleWill the right hon. Gentleman say, as Minister of Agriculture, that farmers are not kept waiting? Owing to the fact that I could not hear the right hon. Gentleman's answer, and owing to the unsatisfactory supplementary answer, I beg to give notice that I intend to raise this matter on the Adjournment.