§ Mr. PERKINSasked the Secretary of State for War whether His Majesty's Government has completed the purchase of all lands taken from private owners since the War began by the War Office; and, if not, what is the approximate amount of purchase moneys still outstanding?
§ Mr. FORSTERAbout£43,000 remains unpaid in certain specific cases where a decision to purchase has already been arrived at and formal approval to such purchase has been given. This figure represents terms which have been practically settled and payment only awaits completion of the conveyancing work. The larger question of purchase affecting all land taken for War Emergency purposes depends upon, several considerations—namely:
- (1) The amount expended on buildings or other improvements thereon,
- (2)the cost of reinstatement, and,
- (3)the requirements of the after-war Army.
Until a decision has been reached as regards the last it is impossible to name even an approximate figure as to the cost of purchasing such land