§ 50. Sir D. Robertsonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why an official of his department called, without prior notice, on the widow who farms Isauld, Dounreay, Caithness, and said that the Atomic Energy Commission wanted to buy her farm; that he had compulsory powers; that he knew the amount her late husband paid for the farm; that it would not realise much if radio-activity occurred; that the Government did not want another s.s. "Princess Victoria" disaster; that similar statements were made to another farmer and to several landholders; and if he will tender an apology to the people who were subjected to such treatment.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerThe purpose of the visits to which I assume my hon. Friend refers was not to bring pressure on the owner but to give an explanation of the position. The Atomic Energy Authority has received no complaint from any of the owners, but if there was any inconvenience to them the Authority greatly regret that their informal approach should have had this result.