HL Deb 17 July 1951 vol 172 cc983-4WA
THE MARQUESS OF ABERDEEN AND TEMAIR

asked His Majesty's Government:

  1. 1. Why the tenants of a dairy farm at Boddam, Aberdeenshire, have been given notice to quit by the Air Ministry, without informing the owners of the farm;
  2. 2. Why the tenants have been given notice to leave in August before they can gather in the harvest;
  3. 3. If the land is required for houses for the Air Ministry, why is land under cultivation chosen;
  4. 4. Why was Aberdeenshire County Council informed of the proposal in a letter marked "Private and Confidential";
    5. 984
  5. 5. Will His Majesty's Government under the circumstances cancel forthwith the notice to quit to the tenants, and express their regret to the owners for the procedure followed by the Air Ministry.

VISCOUNT ALEXANDER OF HILLS BOROUGH

The tenant of the farm at Boddam has not been given notice to quit by the Air Ministry, but the owners and tenant concerned have been informed that the Air Ministry desire to acquire the site. Notification to the Aberdeen County Council under "confidential" cover is in accordance with agreed procedure in the case of defence projects. The procedure which is being followed in this case is that laid down in Command Paper 7278 for the acquisition of land for the Armed Forces. The last part of the Question does not therefore arise.

House adjourned at thirteen minutes before seven o'clock.