116. Mr. Smirthersasked the Secretary of State for War for what purpose he is proposing to purchase compulsorily land belonging to the Trustees of J. M. Routh, at Tilehurst, Reading.
§ Mr. John HareThe land is part of Ranikhet Camp and has been occupied under requisition since 1939. It will be 209W required permanently to provide office and living accommodation for the Royal Signals Regimental Pay Office.
§ 117. Mr. Smithersasked the Secretary of State for War under what authority he is proposing to issue Notice to Treat for the compulsory purchase of land at Tilehurst, Reading, belonging to the Trustees of J. M. Routh, before the issue of a compulsory purchase notice.
§ Mr. John HareThe authority is that of the Defence Acts, 1842–1935. Under these Acts there is no provision for the issue of a compulsory purchase notice, but as a matter of courtesy my Department notifies its intentions to owners before the service of a Notice to Treat, and this was done in this case.
§ 118. Mr. Smithersasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the Franks Committee has recommended that where Service Departments exercise powers of compulsory purchase they should hold a public inquiry as is done by other Departments; and whether he will hold such an inquiry before proceeding to the compulsory purchase of land belonging to the Trustees of J. M. Routh, at Tilehurst, Reading.
§ Mr. John HareThe Government are considering the Franks Committee report which was published on 18th July. By the policy which has been followed since 1947 under Cmd. 7278, public inquiries are held only where purchase is objected to on grounds of public interest. This does not apply to the land at Tilehurst.