§ Mr. Farrasked the Minister of State for Defence why the normal procedure of offering surplus land on the open market was not followed in respect of Bruntingthorpe airfield, Leicestershire.
§ Mr. ChannonI have been asked to reply.
The normal procedure of disposal was followed for considerable areas of the airfield round the periphery. That is, sales are taking place to former owners under the Crichel Down code. It is also normal procedure to sell by private treaty, as distinct from sales by public competition, when it seems clear that this is the best means of realising the maximum benefit to the Exchequer. If Messrs. Chrysler Limited are successful in their current planning appeal it is considered that sale to them will produce a purchase price materially higher than sale by any other means. If they do not succeed in their appeal, sale to them is unlikely to proceed.
§ Mr. Farrasked the Minister of State for Defence what is the price at which Bruntingthorpe airfield, Leicestershire, has been offered to the Chrysler Motor Company; how this is broken down into (a) fixed equipment and buildings and (b) land; and what is the acreage involved.
§ Mr. ChannonI have been asked to reply.
It is not our practice to disclose details of sales by private treaty.
§ Mr. Farrasked the Minister of State for Defence what were the special circumstances which prompted him to offer Bruntingthorpe airfield, Leicestershire, by private sale to the Chrysler Motor Company.
§ Mr. ChannonI have been asked to reply.
The possibility of sale to Messrs. Chrysler Motor Company was pursued following their initiative in pressing for 129W planning permission for their specialist requirement which would permit of some continuing beneficial use of the runways, perimeter tracks and buildings at Bruntingthorpe provided at such heavy expense by the Government. If they are successful in their appeal it is considered that this will result in a purchase price materially higher than could be expected from sale for any other purpose.