Mr. DUNDAS WHITEasked the Secretary to the Admiralty what were the areas, or approximate areas, of the lands near the entrance to the Cromarty Firth purchased recently by the Admiralty; for what purpose or purposes these lands were purchased; from whom they were purchased; what were the prices asked by the vendors; what were the prices actually paid; by what process these purchase prices were settled; and on what date or dates these purchases were completed?
893W
Mr. LAMBERTUnder the powers of the Defence Acts the Admiralty have taken eighty-seven acres of land (approximately) near the entrance to Cromarty Firth, for the purpose of fortifying the entrance to the harbour. The owner is Colonel Walter C. Ross; the tenant Mr. Peter D. Robertson. The compensation claimed by the vendor was £20,000, which included easements, water supply, injurious affection to lands, houses and shootings not taken by the Admiralty. The compensation claimed by the tenant was £6,000. The case was referred to arbitration, and the arbiter proposes to award the owner £12,283 18s. 7d., and the tenant £2,407 18s. 10d., with interest in each case at 5 per cent. per annum from the 15th May, 1913, till payment. The Arbiter also proposes to find the Admiralty liable for the whole expenses of and incident to the Arbitration. The question of appeal against these findings is now being considered.