HC Deb 16 June 1947 vol 438 cc1587-9
53. Mr. Renton

asked the Minister of Agriculture why his Department refused to give to Mr. P. Humbley, the owner and former occupier of Grange Farm, Steeple Gidding, Huntingdonshire, details of the £2,000 demanded from him by the Huntingdonshire A.E.C. in lieu of a claim for betterment under Section 23 (5) and (6) of the Agriculture (Miscellaneous) War Provisions Act; and whether he will take steps to give such details to Mr. Humbley at an early date.

Mr. T. Williams

In accordance with the provisions quoted by the hon. Member, the Committee's offer was based on an estimate, provided for them by a valuer in private practice, of the increased value of the farm as a whole attributable to works of improvement carried out by the Committee. Details of such a valuation assessing betterment—which is no doubt made by a comparison of the overall value of the farm before and after the improvements for which betterment is due have been carried out—are not given by the valuer.

Mr. Renton

Would the Minister say why, when a man is being asked £2,000 for parting with his own farm, he should not be given precise details of how the sum is made up?

Mr. Williams

As I have already explained to the hon. Member, it is because details are not submitted to the Department. As the hon. Member must know, in default of agreement between the Department and the farmer in question, arbitration is always resorted to.

Mr. Bossom

Is not the Minister aware that these estimates must be made up from details, and not be just a guess, and cannot he have the details supplied? If not why not?

Mr. Williams

I have already stated that the valuer does not submit details—[HON. MEMBERS: "Why not?"] Because, apparently it is the right thing not to do so. [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."] Well, this is the first time this matter has been questioned and I can assure the hon. Member, and hon. Members generally, that the sum of money referred to is far less than the actual cost to the State. I repeat that, should there be any lack of agreement, the case will always be submitted to arbitration.

Mr. Wilson Harris

Would not a Minister anxious to do justice between the Department and the individual see that such details were submitted?

Mr. Williams

We are always prepared to do justice.

Mr. Solley

Is not my right hon. Friend aware that it is the practice of surveyors not to give details when estimating a sum by way of compensation and betterment, but to give a lump sum, and in the absence of agreement the matter goes to arbitration?

Mr. Williams

That is the usual practice.