§ Sir A. H0LBR00Kasked the Secretary of State for Air what was the rental paid to the owners of the land on which the Old Sarum Aerodrome at Salisbury was erected in the War period; whether he is aware that the whole of the buildings and other materials were handed over to the owners as compensation for any expense that they might have to incur in removing these buildings and restoring the land to its condition when taken over; and whether the buildings were subsequently repurchased from the owners and at what price?
§ Sir S. HOAREThe Old Sarum Aerodrome has been continuously occupied by the Air Force since the end of the War, and I assume that my hon. and gallant Friend is referring to the neighbouring aerodrome at Boscombe Down. The facts in regard to Boscombe Down are these: The land was occupied by the Department before relinquishment at a compensatory rental of £100 16s. 5d. per annum, 949W assessed on an actual loss basis and not in relation to freehold value. When the aerodrome was given up after the War, the buildings were sold to the owners of the land for £1,100, the owners waiving the very considerable claim in respect of re-instatement which otherwise they would have had. When last year it became necessary, as a result of the new Air Force programme, to re-acquire the aerodrome, the land (283 acres) and the buildings were purchased for £15,000, which included claims in respect of severance, tenant right and injurious affection to the the farm generally.