§ Major McCallumasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether a decision has yet been reached on the question of acquisition of the farm of Ballinaby; what are the figures of expenditure, differentiating between capital and ordinary expenditure, and income on the farm for the year ended 28th November 1945; how, and by whom were the valuations of stock, crop and implements made at the close of the years ended 28th November 1944, and 1945; and if he is satisfied that the valuation is reasonably related to the realisable value, particularly having regard to recent tuberculin testing of dairy stock.
§ Mr. WestwoodIt has been decided to acquire under Section 9 of the Agriculture (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1941, that part of Ballinaby Farm, Islay, of which possession was taken at 29th November, 1943, in terms of Regulation 51 of the Defence (General) Regulations, 1939. Preliminary figures for the year ended 30th November, 1945, show expenditure of£ 7,400, comprising capital expenditure on improvements,£ 4,700 (less drainage grant of£ 2,100); purchase of livestock,£ 900; wages and other expenses, including depreciation,£ 3,900. Income amounted to£ 2,100, representing sales of stock,£ 1,500, crops and miscellaneous,£ 600. The valuations of stock, crops and implements on the farm at 30th November, 1944 and 1945, were made by Tech-220W nical Officers of the Department of Agriculture on the basis of market prices for stock and crops and on the basis of cost, less depreciation, for implements. I am. satisfied that the valuations are reasonable.