§ Mr. Cleaverasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he has considered the statement of the President of the Birmingham and District Property Owners' Association, details of which have been sent to him by the hon. Member for Yardley, regarding compulsory purchase orders; and if he will make a statement on his policy with regard to the administration of compulsory purchase by local authorities.
§ Mr. BrookeI have considered this statement. But it is at the discretion of the acquiring authority whether to use the services of the district valuer or to employ their own valuer in their negotiations for purchase, and I think that this is a matter which it is proper that authorities should decide for themselves.
The owner's safeguard is to employ his own valuer, and he has a right to refer questions of compensation to the Lands Tribunal.