§ 33 and 34. Mr. Awberyasked the Minister of Health (1) how many acres of farm land held by the Bristol Council for hospital purposes were compulsorily transferred to the Ministry of Health without compensation under the National Health Service Act, 1946; if he now contemplates disposing of those parts which are not required for the operational functions of the hospital units; and if he will offer to return at nominal charges such of the lands as are required by their former owners for statutory purposes;
(2) in view of the advice that he has received that farming activities other than of a therapeutic nature cannot form part of the functions of our hospital system, what is his policy regarding the future use of the farms and land appropriated from local authorities by the National Health Service Act, 1946; and if he will consult the Association of Municipal Corporations again before deciding finally on the method of disposing of this property which may be required by the authorities from whom it was taken.
§ Miss Hornsby-Smith634 acres of farm land were transferred from the council under the terms of the Act. It is my right hon. Friend's policy in general to114W dispose of farm land which is not required for hospital purposes. Surplus land is normally first offered to other Government Departments. My right hon. Friend recognises the special claims of local authorities from whom land was transferred under the Act but any sale to a local authority must be in accordance with the prescribed arrangements governing the disposal to them of Government property, the terms being settled by the district valuer. He therefore sees no reason for consulting the Association of Municipal Corporations about this.