§ 54. Mr. Sorensenasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that the present limit of prices to be paid by local authorities for the purchase of properties for their needs sometimes puts them to a disadvantage compared with private purchasers; and whether the permitted percentage of increase over 1939 valuations is likely to be increased.
§ The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr. Dalton)Generally speaking, local authorities have powers of compulsory acquisition of land which they require for statutory purposes, the price being fixed, in the absence of agreement, by the arbitrator. In view of this, I am not clear where the disadvantage to which my hon. Friend refers lies.
§ Mr. SorensenHas my right hon. Friend, in fact, had any representations made to him on this matter by the local authorities?
§ Mr. DaltonI have no record of it with me. It would be convenient if my hon. Friend would send me any actual cases into which I could look.