THE EARL OF MANSFIELDasked His Majesty's Government whether they are aware, that upon Saturday, November 11, the Air Ministry served notice upon Mr. W. Henderson of Lawton, Coupar Angus, Perthshire, without any previous warning, that they were that same day to take possession of some 66 acres of his farm, as well as of some 6o acres upon the adjoining farm of Mr. James Ewing, Wester Buttergask, thereby removing from cultivation some of the best and 298WA most highly farmed land in the East of Scotland, and endangering the livelihood of a number of workers; whether they are further aware that, apart from all other considerations, this land is unsuitable for aviation purposes, being close to an over-head power line, besides being liable to be fog-bound in winter; whether in view of the above, and of the necessity for not only maintaining, but of increasing, the amount of good arable land under cultivation, they will request the Ministry for Air to reconsider the whole question; and, finally, whether they will take steps to ensure, that when land has to be acquired by any Department of State, for national purposes, care will be taken in future that the owners should be given reasonable notice of occupation, and not treated in such an inconsiderate and arbitrary fashion.
§ LORD CHATFIELDThe land in question was requisitioned to safeguard it from ploughing operations whilst it was under consideration by the Air Ministry. The land is considered suitable for the purpose for which it is required but no final decision has been reached and alternatives are under consideration. Reasonable notice of occupation is always given where possible, but in this case, as explained, the requisition was served solely to prevent work being clone on the land which would have delayed its preparation for aviation purposes. It is regretted that this was not made clear to the owners when the requisition was served.
House adjourned at twelve minutes past four o'clock.