§ 24. Mr. Willie W. Hamiltonasked the Member for Wokingham, as representing the Church Commissioners, if he will make a statement on the Church's land ownership at Molesworth, and the progress made in selling it to the highest bidder.
§ Sir William van StraubenzeeThis is glebe land belonging to the Peterborough diocesan board of finance and the commissioners' consent would be necessary in the event of the diocese putting forward proposals for its sale.
§ Mr. HamiltonHas not CND made a higher bid than the Ministry of Defence for this land? As the proceeds would go to the payment of clerical stipends, does the hon. Gentleman agree that it is deplorable that the Church Commissioners seem to be in political alliance with the Ministry of Defence in a rather disreputable way?
§ Sir William van StraubenzeeUntypically, the hon. Gentleman seems not to have grasped the situation. At present, no decision is before the Church Commissioners. With respect, therefore, the hon. Gentleman is not entitled to make any judgment about the commissioners' view, because they have not yet had to form a view.
§ Mrs. Kellett-BowmanIf the Ministry of Defence bid did not succeed, would it not become a matter for compulsory purchase, and would that not be to the detriment of the clergy?
§ Sir William van StraubenzeeI am afaid that I do not know the answer to that question. It would be for Ministers at the Ministry of Defence to say whether there would be a compulsory purchase order. Personally, I am not aware of any such suggestion at present.
§ Mr. Deputy Speaker (Mr. Harold Walker)Mr. Frank Field.
§ Mr. Deputy SpeakerOrder. I was calling the hon. Gentleman to ask question No. 25.
§ Mr. Deputy SpeakerI am sorry, but I am calling the hon. Gentleman to ask question No. 25.