HC Deb 10 April 1946 vol 421 cc1903-4
15. Mr. R. S. Hudson

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that the Trawler Owners Association at Milford Haven were informed that the Ministry of Agriculture did not intend to requisition accommodation for trawler learners and suggested that the association arrange for a site and buy a Nissen hut from his Department at a price in the neighbourhood of £1,230; and if, as this price is excessive, and the hut is no longer required by his Department and the need for accommodation is urgent, he will instruct his officers to accept a reasonable price for this hut and so enable the training of learner fishermen to begin.

Mr. Dugdale

The Nissen hut referred to is erected on land which is under two separate ownerships, and cannot be sold to the Trawler Owners Association until they have secured a tenancy of the land. As soon as this is settled, the Admiralty will open negotiations for the disposal of the hut to the Association at a reasonable price according to its condition. The local Admiralty officer has been instructed to give every assistance to the Association.

Mr. Hudson

Can the hon. Gentleman say why it was stated on his authority that the Admiralty demanded £1,230 for this hut?

Mr. Dugdale

I admit that the hon. Gentleman the Under-Secretary of State for Scotland, on information given to him by me, stated that the hut was not offered for sale. It was in fact offered for sale but it was not offered for sale at a price of £1,230. At no time has it been offered for sale at that price. The fact that £1,230 may seem excessive was due to the fact that the hut had installations in it for dental equipment.

Mr. Hudson

Does not the hon. Gentleman think it more in keeping with the traditions of this House for him to get up and admit that rather than have the information extracted from him by this Question?

Mr. Dugdale

I think, if I may say so, that the right hon. Gentleman is making rather heavy weather about it.