§ Mr. Kennedyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects to be in a position to announce the successful bidders for the 55 acres of Forestry Commission holdings at Tore, Ross-shire.
§ Mr. John MacKayAs has been explained on previous occasions to the House, the Government do not announce information about individual purchasers of properties sold by the Forestry Commission.
§ Mr. Kennedyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, prior to deciding upon the successful applicants for the sale of the Forestry Commisson holdings at Tore, Ross-shire, he will take into account any bids from local investors seeking to purchase part of the holdings for the purposes of local business expansion and the creation of indigenous employment; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John MacKayThis property was placed on the open market in four lots with bids being invited for the whole or for individual lots. The closing date for bids was 19 April 1984, and all those received were considered. An acceptable bid was made for the whole property and the bidder has been so informed. This successful bid exceeded the sum of the best bids received for individual lots.
§ Mr. Kennedyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, prior to deciding upon the successful applicants for the Forestry Commission holdings at Tore, Ross-Shire, he will investigate the entire circumstances surrounding the sale.
§ Mr. John MacKayAs I explained today in reply to another question from the hon. Member, an acceptable bid has been received for the whole property and the successful bidder notified accordingly. I am satisfied that the sale was conducted properly by the Forestry Commission and I can see no reason for investigating it further.
§ Mr. Kennedyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received regarding the proposed sale of 55 acres of Forestry Commission holdings at Tore, Ross-Shire.
§ Mr. John MacKayI have received a representation regarding this sale from Mr. J. P. Clark of Tore. My right hon. and noble Friend, the Minster of State, Scottish Office, has received a similar representation from the hon. Member on Mr. Clark's behalf.