§ 37. Lieut.-Colonel Bromley-Davenportasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what progress he has made in his re-examination of the policy of establishing a fair market value as the basis of compensation for compulsory acquisition of land; and when he contemplates bringing in legislation to deal with this matter.
§ Mr. H. BrookeI cannot add to the statement I made on 21st February in the debate on the Bill introduced by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Gloucestershire, South (Captain Corfield).
§ Lieut.-Colonel Bromley-DavenportIs my right hon. Friend aware that there is 1002 great feeling amongst all parties in the country over this matter, and that people are looking to the Conservative Government not only to rectify the grave injustices which exist, but to take the earliest possible action? Is he further aware that there is considerable criticism that action in this matter was not taken a long time ago?
§ Mr. BrookeI am aware that there is very strong feeling on this matter in many quarters, and that was why I said that the Government were pressing on with a re-examination of the subject.
§ Mr. MitchisonWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that compensation has a brother called betterment, and that there are frequent family squabbles?
§ Mr. BrookeMy re-examination has brought me to that point of view.