§ 3. Mr. Websterasked the Secretary of State for War what steps are taken to ensure that before surplus land is disposed of by his Department the value of the land in the hands of the developer is ascertained.
§ Mr. GodberThe planning position is ascertained and the land valued by fully qualified professional staff who take into account all prospects of development.
§ Mr. WebsterI thank my right hon. Friend for giving me some indication of the set procedure. Will he say whether the advice of an outside valuer is taken into account in these matters and whether it is the value in the hand of the developer that is always taken into account?
§ Mr. GodberWe use our own professional advisers in these matters, but, of course, most of the Army land that is offered is put up for auction. We always consult the auctioneers, and this is one way in which we ensure getting the best value for the land.
§ Mr. PagetIs the Minister aware that the land owned by the Army is of enormous value and that for development purposes a great deal of it is being inadequately used? Will he be very careful indeed about how it is disposed of?
§ Mr. GodberYes, I think that is a perfectly fair point, and I did indicate last week that I wanted to look into this. I entirely agree with the hon. and learned Gentleman on that point.