HC Deb 23 July 1968 vol 769 cc244-6
8. Mr. Rossi

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he is aware that developers are continuing to threaten individual property owners with the compulsory purchase powers of the Land Commission; and whether he will take steps to stop this practice

10. Mr. Ronald Bell

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what action he will now take to prevent such misuse of the name and powers of compulsory purchase of the Land Commission as are now commonly taking place and resemble the one recently sent to him by the hon. and learned Member for South Buckinghamshire.

Mr. MacDermot

A few cases only have been reported. Any owners threatened in this way should report the facts immediately to the regional office of the Commission.

Mr. Rossi

Does not the Minister deplore the use of an Act as an instrument for blackmail? Does not he consider that this strengthens the case against the extension of the Government's powers by the introduction of the second appointed day? Will he defer that day indefinitely?

Mr. MacDermot

There is no present intention to introduce the second appointed day. I do not see how that question arises on this matter. I have already deplored the isolated instances of the practice to which the Questions refer, and the Commission will ask professional bodies to make it clear to builders and developers that statements should not be made implying that the Commission's compulsory purchase powers will, or may, be used against particular owners.

Mr. Bell

Does not the Minister know that the Act, which was intended to be directed against land speculators, is becoming a weapon of oppression in their hands, and that property owners are being bullied even to part with their back gardens by this kind of thing? What remedy will he or the Land Commission have if professional bodies take no notice of the warning he has just described?

Mr. MacDermot

I do not agree that the Act is becoming an instrument of oppression. One of the functions of the Land Commission is to prevent land hoarding, and it has compulsory purchase powers which can be used for the assistance of the private builder and to ensure that land is brought forward for development. That is perfectly proper. It is not proper for a builder to suggest that he has some way of inducing the Land Commission to use the powers in a particular case. This is a matter for decision by the Commission.