§ 87. Mr. Hurdasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what circumstances made it imperative for his Department to destroy 12 acres of wheat close to harvest at Welford; when this requirement was known and when the farmer was informed; and on what basis the compensation at the rate of £18 an acre was calculated.
Mr. WardThe land on which this wheat was sown is needed for the construction of the first part of an urgent defence project and any delay would have seriously set back all the work. It was known early this year that this land would be needed. The agreement of all concerned, including the farmer, was obtained in March. The land is being acquired under the Defence Acts and the purchase price is now under negotiation with the owner.