12. Mr. Smithersasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that two plots of building land at Peacehaven, belonging to Mr. E. B. Holdaway, are the subject of a compulsory purchase order by his Department at a price of £2 10s. each; for what purpose the land is required; and whether he will now release it so that it may be sold by the owner.
Mr. AmoryMr. Holdaway's plots are part of a substantial area of requisitioned land at Peacehaven which is the subject of compulsory purchase proceedings in order to ensure its full and efficient use for agriculture. As I have said in reply to recent Questions, I hope shortly to make a statement about the future of the land in this area.
Mr. SmithersI thank my right hon. Friend for his promise of a statement. Is he aware that Mr. Holdaway's father purchased this land in 1916, on a prospectus which I hold in my hand, which says that a freehold in Peacehaven is a better investment than money in the bank? Does my right hon. Friend think that compulsory purchase at 50s. for each plot at the end of 40 years is a result which a citizen should have to contemplate when buying freehold building plots; and will he do his best to remedy this injustice?
Mr. AmoryI have always learned to regard prospectuses with a certain amount of caution, but I may say that, in addition to the price, which is the statutory limit I can pay in the event of compulsory purchase, I understand that Mr. Holdaway also has an admitted claim for £70 under Part VI of the Town and Country Planning Act.
Mr. SmithersIf the right hon. Gentlemen would like it, I will give him the prospectus, which is very well drawn up.