HL Deb 25 March 1971 vol 316 cc987-8

3.11 p.m.

VISCOUNT MASSEREENE AND FERRARD

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the second Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government under what circumstances they envisage using their powers to acquire land compulsorily under Section 4(1)(b) of the Highlands and Islands Development (Scotland) Act 1965.]

BARONESS TWEEDSMUIR OF BELHELVIE

My Lords, my right honourable friend the Secretary of State would have to be satisfied that the case for a highly desirable project, which could not be carried out except by compulsory acquisition by the Board, outweighed any objection. Compulsion is regarded both by the Board and by the Government as a last resort.

VISCOUNT MASSEREENE AND FERRARD

My Lords, while thanking my noble friend for that reply, may I ask whether Her Majesty's Government envisage using these powers to acquire land compulsorily for the creation of State farms for approved tenants in Scotland?

BARONESS TWEEDMUIR OF BELHELVIE

My Lords, not to my knowledge. In any case, my right honourable friend the Secretary of State would not acquire the land. The Board itself has to put forward proposals for compulsory purchase, which then have to be considered by my right honourable friend.