§ 33. Sir Ian Orr-Ewingasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether, in view of the agreed sale of defence land on Hendon Airfield to Barnet Council for £4.15 million for payment in the current financial year, he will allow access to the small portion needed whilst details of the negotiations are resolved, without levying interest charges on the whole purchase.
§ Mr. ReynoldsThe Barnet Borough Council already has access to the site. I am considering representations it has made to me concerning payment of interest; but I am not yet in a position to give a reply.
§ Sir Ian Orr-EwingWill the Minister bear in mind that as he appears to intend to release large numbers of acres and defence facilities in Singapore at no charge at all, it seems a little illogical to charge British ratepayers and British taxpayers very high sums for defence land not needed, and particularly levying percentage charges which will, of course, fall on the rents of local council tenants in our area?
§ Mr. ReynoldsThere are legitimate precedents for giving away—if the hon. Gentleman wishes to call it that—overseas bases. When he himself was in office, some of the figures involved, in terms of value, were such that they would make anything we are doing now look very small beer indeed. There is also an accepted principle, which I am 400 following, for arrangements for the disposal of Government land in this country. One problem at present is that the Public Accounts Committee of the House attacked myself and the Government last year for not pressing local authorities to pay promptly for land being handed over to them.
§ Mr. MaudlingWill the right hon. Gentleman recognise that in the Barnet area there is great concern about this matter? Will he be as bold as he can be, even in the face of the Public Accounts Committee?
§ Mr. ReynoldsThe Public Accounts Committee has a responsibility to this House, and so have I.