Land Commission (Chairman)

HC Deb 04 November 1966 vol 735 cc178-9W

Mr. Moyle

asked the Minister of Land and Natural Resources if he will make a statement about the chairmanship of the Land Commission.

Mr. Willey

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and I have invited Sir Henry Wells, C.B.E. to be Chairman of the Commission. Sir Henry has accepted the invitation and will take up his formal appointment on the appointed day under the legislation now before Parliament. He will begin as Chairman designate from 1st December next to perform such functions as are necessary to secure that the Commission will be operational on the appointed day. Sir Henry Wells is a chartered surveyor. He has accepted this appointment at some sacrifice since he will be giving up private practice. He will continue as Chairman of the Commission for the New Towns but will devote most of his time to the work of the Land Commission. His initial appointment as Chairman is to run for three years from the appointed day under the legislation and his salary will be at the rate of £7,500 a year.