6. Mr. W. H. K. Bakerasked the Minister of Public Building and Works what is the total cost of the acquisition by the Land Commission of offices and other accommodation in Scotland to date; and what annual rentals are paid for such other premises held on lease.
§ Mr. MellishNo properties have been acquired in Scotland for the Land Commission. The annual rental and service charges for leased premises currently occupied by the Commission amount to some £17,000.
Mr. BakerIn view of the lack of activity of the Land Commission in Scotland, is not even that figure disproportionate in the disbursement of public funds? Will not the right hon. Gentleman reconsider the whole thing by bringing the Land Commission to a speedy conclusion?
§ Mr. MellishI understand that on Thursday there is to be a full scale debate on the Land Commission when no doubt we shall hear a great speech from the hon. Gentleman.
§ Mr. Hector HughesIs it not improvident to concentrate the Land Commission and other offices in the thickly populated parts of Scotland, where rents are dear, instead of spreading them more 187 evenly up in the North-East, particularly Aberdeen?
§ Mr. MellishI take note of that, but as a southerner one has to be very careful in this House in saying anything about what one should do in Seotland.