HC Deb 03 July 1968 vol 767 cc1486-7
22. Mr. G. Campbell

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how much land in Scotland has been acquired by the Land Commission.

Dr. Dickson Mabon

None as yet, but the Commission has concluded a bargain for the purchase of a site of 12 acres, and has published a draft compulsory purchase order for another site of 52 acres. Agreement has also been reached with Renfrew County Council that the Commission will acquire on its behalf about 600 acres at Erskine.

Mr. Campbell

As the Land Commission is doing so little in Scotland, what is the point of its undertaking any operations there?

Dr. Mabon

I am surprised that the hon. Gentleman, in view of the Answer that I have given, should have asked that. He obviously prepared his supplementary question beforehand. The first appointed day under the Act was 6th April, 1967. I have given the hon. Gentleman the facts as they are up to date. Considering that the Land Commission has had to gather together the information about the land situation in consultation with local authorities, builders and developers, I think it has done reasonably well.

Mr. W. Baxter

Can my hon. Friend tell the House how the Land Commission is proposing to dispose of the land that it is acquiring? Will it dispose of it by highest offer, auction or gifts to builders?

Dr. Mabon

I appreciate the point that my hon. Friend is trying to make in reference to the recent circular. I suggest that he should put down a Question about this—and then I will give more details—or write to me. The 12-acre site is for industrial development. The 52-acre site at Killearn, Stirlingshire, is primarily for private housing. The 600-acre site is for mixed private and public development, mainly private, in the new town.