§ Major EDWARD WOODasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that in the Forest of Dean Crown land has been offered to local bodies and societies at £50 to £60 per acre, whilst for similar land desired by private individuals the price asked is £240 to £320 per acre; whether he is aware that the latter price is a hindrance to working men of the district desiring to build and occupy their own houses; and whether he will explain the reason for this policy?
Sir A. BOSCAWENThe area, so far as it concerns local bodies and societies, is approximately 11 acres. The figures stated in the question are substantially correct. The object of the Crown in offering land to local authorities and public utility societies at prices approved by the Treasury but below market rates is to facilitate the erection of cottages and to secure that the building schemes are adequately planned. The Commissioners of Woods as Trustees of the Crown estates would not be justified in selling land to private individuals on the same terms as the way would be laid open for speculators at the expense of the Crown. I may refer my hon. and gallant2740W Friend to the answer given to a similar question asked in the House on 23rd March, 1914.