§ Mr. SITCHasked the Minister of Health whether he has been made aware of the departmental inspector's report of the public inquiry recently held at High-worth for the compulsory acquisition of land for housing purposes; whether he is aware that the local authority have been informed that the Ministry are not prepared to confirm the order for compulsory acquisition on financial grounds; that several months ago the Highworth Council selected a number of alternative sites, and that the Ministry of Health commissioner decided that this site was the only one suitable; whether the alternative site now recommended by the Department is a portion of the same field, but is adjoining undesirable property, which would depreciate the value of the new houses; and whether, in view of the fact that the original site selected by the local authority runs parallel with the main road, and near a sewer and gas and water supplies, he will have further inquiries made into the matter?
§ Dr. ADDISONThe reply to the first and second parts of the question is in the affirmative, but it is not a fact that the site in question is the only one which the Housing Commissioner was prepared 595W to approve. As regards the alternative site referred to in the fourth part of the question, I am advised that this is entirely suitable, and I would further point out that this is not the only alternative site which is available and suitable. The whole question has been very carefully considered, and a public enquiry held, at which both parties had a full opportunity of presenting their case, and I do not think I can re-open the question.