§ Mr. Sloanasked the Secretary of State for Air what price per acre did the Air Ministry pay for certain recently acquired land of which he has been informed; was any compensation paid to the owners of these farms in addition to the price; if so, what sums were paid, and why; what sums were paid to the occupiers as compensation, and why; whether the crop of cabbages or other green crop left in one of the fields acquired is now the property of the Air Ministry; why has the crop 1728W been allowed to go to waste; and, if not the property of the Ministry, are arrangements being made to remove and use it?
Captain BalfourThe land in question was not purchased but requisitioned and compensation will be paid in accordance with the provisions of the Compensation (Defence) Act, 1939. No payments have yet been made but with one exception claims have been submitted and are under negotiation. Arrangements were made at the outset for the tenant to dispose of the crop of cabbages or other green crop and it is understood that the crop has been sold and is being removed.