§ 24. Mr. Viantasked the Minister of Health whether the Bath City Council applied for compulsory powers to acquire, for housing purposes, 10.546 acres of land at Poolemeade, Tiverton; why negotiations to purchase have broken down; what price was offered; what price has been awarded after arbitration; and what is the present rateable value of the land.
§ Mr. WillinkYes Sir. The land comprises buildings used as an institute for the deaf and dumb. I understand that the city council proposed to acquire the whole of the land and to lease the buildings to the owners, and that their offer of £4,000 on this basis was rejected. The Compulsory Purchase Order is still under consideration. The rateable value of the property is £155.
§ 25. Mr. Viantasked the Minister of Health at what price the L.C.C. is acquiring the site for a new elementary school in the Abney Park District, Stoke Newington; and if he can state the area and the previous rateable value of that land.
§ Mr. WillinkI understand that negotiations for this acquisition are not yet complete and the price is therefore not available. The area is 2.1 acres. The site consists of parts only of existing properties and I regret, therefore, that I am not able to state the previous rateable value.
26. Mr. J. Hendersonasked the Minister of Health what report his inspector has given on the application by Manchester City Council for compulsory powers to acquire at Wythenshawe about 97 acres on the Timperley Golf Club and two market gardens; what price has been offered or demanded for the land; what is 1055 its present rateable value; and whether he is aware that the plans include 2,400 houses with schools, shops, playgrounds, a health centre and a community centre.
§ Mr. WillinkI am considering the report of my inspector on the local inquiry and my decision will be given at an early date. I have no information as to the price offered or demanded for the land or as to its rateable value. I am aware that the plans include the provision of 2,400 houses with schools, shops, open spaces, a health clinic and a community centre.
§ 27. Mr. Glenvil Hallasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Worthing Town Council has been in negotiation for the acquisition of 48½ acres of land for housing purposes at the south-west corner of Field Place Estate; at what price the land is to be acquired; and what is the present rateable value of the site in question.
§ Mr. WillinkYes, Sir; negotiations for acquisition are still in progress. The land is agricultural and de-rated.
§ Mr. HallCould the right hon. and learned Gentleman give us any idea of what price is being asked for this site?
§ Mr. WillinkNo, Sir.
§ 28. Mr. Glenvil Hallasked the Minister of Health what negotiations preceded the decision of the Ulverston Urban District Council to make a compulsory purchase order for the acquisition for housing purposes of Watery Lane Farm, outbuildings and five fields adjoining Watery Lane, the whole containing 16,719 acres or thereabouts; what is the rateable value of these properties; and whether purchase has taken place and at what price.
§ Mr. WillinkThe owner was willing to sell the land at the District Valuer's valuation. The Council decided to acquire the farm buildings as well and as the owner was unwilling to sell them they have made a Compulsory Purchase Order, which has been submitted to me for confirmation. I have decided to hold a public local inquiry before making my decision. I am not aware of the rateable value of the properties.
§ Mr. GallacherIn view of this series of Questions, would it not be desirable 1056 for the Minister and the Government to take over the land and see that it is properly administered by the local authorities?
§ Mr. WillinkNo, Sir.