HC Deb 07 December 1959 vol 615 cc9-10
12. Mr. Wyatt

asked the Minister of Aviation why he has agreed to sell or lease agricultural land at Chalgrove, Oxfordshire, to Martin Baker Limited, although a number of the original owners from whom the land was compulsorily acquired would like to buy it back; why, in consequence, he has agreed to construct a new public road at Chalgrove; and for how long he expects this road to be in use.

Mr. Rippon

The future of this airfield is still under consideration, so I cannot make any statement at this stage.

Mr. Wyatt

Will the Minister remember that, in the Crichel Down debate of 1954, the Minister of Agriculture promised that no land compulsorily acquired for one purpose would be sold for another purpose, and that in this case that is exactly what is happening? If the Government go ahead with the plan to sell the land to Martin Baker Ltd., they will be breaching the undertaking which they gave in the Crichel Down debate.

Mr. Rippon

Whatever happens, regard will be paid to the Crichel Down decision. The Crichel Down policy can be roughly summarised as an undertaking to offer to sell back to the previous owners agricultural land compulsorily acquired or acquired under threat of compulsion by any Government Department, once that land is no longer required for the purpose for which it was purchased. There are two exceptions—provided that the policy does not apply to land which has so changed its character that it has ceased to be agricultural—for example, where a factory has been erected, or where an airfield has been developed; and further, provided that the land is not required by another Government Department for some essential public purpose. All these factors are most seriously taken into account.

Mr. Wyatt

Is the Minister not aware that the land has not changed its character and that several of the farmers would like to buy it back, but there is grave suspicion that the Government propose to sell it over their heads even though they want it back?

Mr. Rippon

I can only say that all these matters are under consideration. Very full consultations have taken place and are still taking place with all the interests concerned.