§ 29. Mr. P. Robertsasked the Minister of Agriculture who is the tenant who is farming the requisitioned land at Peace-haven which is now the subject of a compulsory purchase order; how this tenant was chosen; what connection he has had with the agricultural executive committee; how much public money has been spent on this land since the date of requisition; and how much rent has been paid to the freehold owners since requisition.
§ The Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries (Mr. Heathcoat Amory)The requisitioned land concerned at Peace-haven and Saltdean is let on licence to four persons, all of whom were chosen by the East Sussex Agricultural Executive Committee. One licensee of 380 acres, who was chosen in 1946, became a member of a sub-committee and a panel of the Committee three years later. Another licensee of 40 acres, was a member of the Committee when chosen in 1952. He 1370 was selected because the requisitioned land adjoins on two sides other land being farmed by him. The total expenditure on the land since it was requisitioned amounts to some £19,000 and compensation rental paid to the known owners amounts to some £4,700.
§ Mr. RobertsIn view of the expenditure involved, would my right hon. Friend agree that there are other methods of getting efficient agriculture beyond that of taking away people's private property? Will he reconsider this case, following the decision of his predecessor?
Mr. AmoryI have given a good deal of consideration to these things, and I hope very soon to be in a position to announce my decision about the future of this land.
Mr. T. WilliamsOn a point of order. May I ask you, Mr. Speaker, whether it is reasonable for an hon. Member to imply criticism of a member of an agricultural executive committee who is putting in a large amount of honorary work?
§ Mr. RobertsMay I say, Sir, in reply to that remark, that there is no criticism involved?
§ Mr. SpeakerI do not think it is necessary to accept it as criticism.