§ 42. Mr. J. Edenasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give an instruction to the Inland Revenue that the services of district valuers be made available to advise nationalised industries or any part of them as to current market values for properties which they may wish to acquire in the public interest.
Mr. AmoryDistrict valuers have for some years helped certain of the nationalised industries in acquisitions or disposals of property and are always ready to co-operate if requests are received for an extension of this service.
§ Mr. EdenWill my right hon. Friend say whether that was the case in the recent purchase by the Atomic Energy Authority of Durley Hall Hotel, Bournemouth? If so, what was the price paid by the Authority and why was the price greater than that demanded on the books of the estate agents? In any case, why did the Authority have to go to Bournemouth? Could it not have gone nearer to Winfreth Heath?
Mr. AmoryI am afraid it is not my responsibility to answer that question, except in one part, that I understand the district valuer's services have been available to the Atomic Energy Authority on some occasions.