HC Deb 04 November 1954 vol 532 cc589-90
33. Mr. P. Roberts

asked the Minister of Agriculture the total income paid by way of rental by farmers farming the requisitioned land at Peacehaven and Saltdean to the East Sussex Agricultural Executive Committee or to his Department since 1939; and what is the average rent per acre now being paid.

Mr. Amory

The total income received from licensees farming requisitioned land at Peacehaven and Saltdean since 1939 is £9,785. The average rent now being received per acre is £2 5s.

Mr. Roberts

Can my right hon. Friend say whether it is a fact that only about half that amount of money has been handed over to the property owners? Does he consider that to be really satisfactory, and is he in a position to make a statement on his views on this matter he promised some time ago?

Mr. Amory

The amount of money that can be handed over to the property owners for requisitioned properties is statutorily fixed, and I have no room for manoeuvre there. As regards the last part of my hon. Friend's question, I hope to make a statement on this matter within the fairly near future.