§ 13 and 14. Mr. Stokesasked the Secretary of State for Air (1) the total rateable value of the 10,400 acres of land held on lease by his Ministry at an annual rental of £40,267;
(2) the total rateable value of the 58,223 acres of land purchased by his Ministry in Great Britain since 31st December, 1938, at an inclusive cost of £3,760,433?
§ Sir A. SinclairI regret that the desired information could not be provided without a considerable expenditure of time and effort, which would not be justified in present circumstances.
§ Mr. StokesIf that is the case, will my right hon. Friend explain how he arrives at the values?
§ Sir A. SinclairPerhaps my hon. Friend would put down a Question on the point, when I should be very glad to look into it.
§ Mr. ShinwellDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that these figures of rentals paid by his Department are excessive?
§ Sir A. SinclairI have no reason to suppose they are, but if my hon. Friend has any reason to suppose so, I shall very gladly investigate the matter.
§ Mr. ShinwellDoes the right hon. Gentleman not regard these figures as a reasonable motive for putting such a Question?
§ Sir A. SinclairThese are leases which were entered into, most of them, some time ago.