§ Mr. Moreasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to what extent the current practice on the disposal by departments of agricultural land has been the practice since the original Ministerial statement of policy on 20th July, 1954; and on what dates and in what particulars the original practice has been varied.
§ Mr. TaverneThe principle announced by the then Minister of Agriculture on 20th July, 1954, has been adhered to. Each case is considered on its merits with the desire that when circumstances show that surplus land which can still be regarded as agricultural in character can properly be offered back to a former owner, this should be done. Modifications have been made only in the considerations taken into account in applying this principle. Thus, in 1957 and 1958 it was decided to take into account any interest which non-departmental public authorities or local authorities might have in acquiring such land. In 1966, the potential of the land for early development was introduced as an additional test of "agricultural character"; and certain changes were made in the interpretation of the term "former owner". The resulting current practice was summarised in my reply on 19th January, 1970, to my hon. Friend the Member for Glasgow, Gorbals (Mr. McElhone).—[Vol. 794, c. 62–3.]