HC Deb 07 May 1958 vol 587 cc1200-1
16. Mr. Ronald Bell

asked the Secretary of State for War when a notice to treat in respect of Wilton Park, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, was served upon the owners by his Department; and why the matter has not been completed.

Mr. Amery

A notice to treat was served on 7th September, 1955. Since then, negotiations, which have been complicated and difficult, have been going on about the terms of purchase. The price for the land has been settled but certain differences on other matters still remain.

Mr. Bell

Has not the acquisition of this land been hanging fire for a very long time, even before the notice to treat was issued, and does not my hon. Friend think it unfortunate that delays of this order should be taken for granted in compulsory purchase and even considered relatively moderate? Is not it really a very long time?

Mr. Amery

It takes two to make a bargain, and the delays have not been of our making.

Mr. Bell

May I ask my hon. Friend whether it is right to say that it takes two to make a bargain under a compulsory purchase order? I thought that it took only one.

Mr. Amery

We could, no doubt, have proceeded much faster. We have not wished to push our powers too far.