§ Mr. Rookerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will call for a report under Section 24(12) of the Water Act 1973 into the circumstances of the purchase of land at development valuation by the Severn-Trent Water Authority from the chairman of the said authority; and, if not. why not;
(2) if he will dismiss the chairman of the Severn-Trent Water Authority in view of his proposed land deals with his own authority.
§ Mr. John SilkinSection 24(12) of the Water Act 1973 is concerned only with action by a water authority under that section. I have, however, already asked the Chairman for a full report on the circumstances of this case and for any comments he may wish to offer. It would not be appropriate for me to make any comment in advance of studying these.
§ Mr. Rookerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will seek to amend the Community Land Act in order to provide for the purchase of land at existing use values by water authorities or by local authorities on behalf of water authorities.
§ Mr. John SilkinThe Community Land Act already provides that after the bringing in of a second appointed day all public authorities will buy land at current use value.