Land

HC Deb 24 March 1965 vol 709 cc544-5

19. Mr. Small

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many acres of land were purchased by the Duchy in 1963–64 what was the average cost per acre; and how this compares with the cost per acre of land bought in 1955.

Mr. Houghton

In 1963–64 21 acres of land were purchased at £176 per acre. Land bought in 1955 cost £84 per acre.

Mr. Small

Can my right hon. Friend tell me the use to which the land is put? Is the Duchy constructing any houses on the land, and if so for whom? Is it my right hon. Friend's intention to dispose of any land and give preference to local authorities?

Mr. Houghton

The Duchy does not normally construct houses on Duchy land. On the other matters the administration of the Duchy is in the best traditions of modern estate management.

Mr. Woodburn

Can my right hon. Friend say whether this purchase of land can be described as nationalising land, and who first nationalised it under the Duchy?

Mr. Houghton

If I may say so, to use a colloquial term, the Duchy is in business. We buy and sell land in accordance with the interests of the disposition and management of the Duchy estates. I find this new rôle of landlord a very fascinating one indeed.

Mr. William Hamilton

Can my right hon. Friend say whether, in view of the obviously increased interest of Members in the Duchy, he will consider not only making available in the Vote Office the annual accounts of the Duchy, but producing an annual report? Does not he recognise that when he is next at the top of the list to answer Questions there will be many more Questions than today's 19?

Mr. Houghton

I am bound by an Act of Parliament, of which my hon. Friend is aware, to present the accounts of the Duchy to Parliament, and at the moment my obligations as Chancellor of the Duchy do not go further. What appears in the Vote Office is not a matter for me.

As regards further information about the affairs of the Duchy, all I can say is that if Questions are put down, and if when they are put down they stay down, I shall be prepared to answer them.