HC Deb 27 March 1956 vol 550 cc1966-7
44. Mr. Moyle

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he is aware that some local authorities are purchasing land at site valuation consequent upon the issue of a demolition order and then reselling at a price greatly in excess of the purchase price; and if he will introduce legislation to prevent this.

Mr. Sandys

The consequence of a demolition order is to require the demolition of the house concerned. It does not involve the purchase of the land by the local authority.

Mr. Moyle

Has the right hon. Gentleman given consideration to the case which I submitted to him wherein the transaction of reselling land arising from the operation of a demolition order resulted in a 200 per cent. profit being made, and which, of course, caused public disquiet? Has the Minister any statement to make about that?

Mr. Sandys

If the hon. Gentleman wants me to make a statement about a particular case, perhaps he will put down a Question on the Order Paper. I have not sufficient information on that case to form a judgment as to how it could have arisen.