§ Mr. Leonardasked the Under-Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that the Hawick Town Council requiring land for housing has been asked to pay a price equivalent to £625 per acre for ground at Sillerbithall owned by the Royal Bank of Scotland; that negotiations have failed and the district valuer has advised that the only course was to proceed by statutory notice; what steps are being taken to secure entry under statutory powers; and what is the area and the present rateable value of the land in question.
§ Commander GalbraithThe site, which comprises about 25½ acres, is part of an estate of about 38 acres, the rateable value of which is £107. My Noble Friend is informed that a price equivalent to £625 per acre has been asked for. Negotiations for purchase have not been broken off but in view of the urgent need to proceed with the preparation of the site the Town Council were given statutory powers to enter upon the land on 11th May, 1945.