§ 40. Mr. Stokesasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he is aware that the Hornchurch Essex Council was offered a piece of land, area 40 square yards, recently for the sum of £300, which works out at £36,000 an acre, required for the purpose of street widening; that other onerous conditions were attached to the sale; that the Hornchurch Highways Committee recommended that no purchase should take place on account of the high price and onerous conditions; and what steps he proposes to take to put an end to this practice of holding up public authorities to ransom?
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport (Mr. Noel-Baker)The Hornchurch Council have not approached my Department about this piece of land, which I understand is required for widening a footway. Powers for the compulsory purchase of land for street widenings are already available to local authorities, subject to confirmation of the necessary Order by my noble Friend.