§ 9. Mr. Stokesasked the Secretary of State for Air, how much land has been bought outright by the Air Ministry since 31st December, 1938, or other convenient date, and the total sum paid for it?
§ Sir A. SinclairThe total area of land purchased in Great Britain by the Air Ministry since 31st December, 1938, is 58,223 acres. The total cost inclusive of buildings existing on the land was £3,760,433.
§ 10. Mr. Stokesasked the Secretary of State for Air, how much land has been rented by his Ministry; and whether he can give the general terms on which these rentals are based?
§ Sir A. Sinclair10,400 acres of land are held on lease at an aggregate annual rental of £40,267. The various rents were negotiated before the war on the basis of fair commercial value. Since the outbreak of war, land required for Air Force purposes has been requisitioned, and compensation paid, in accordance with the provisions of the Compensation (Defence) Act, 1939.
§ Mr. StokesCan the Minister indicate whether, when these rents run out, the improvement on the land will return without cost to the landlord?
§ Sir A. SinclairI would like notice of that question.