§ Baroness JEGERasked Her Majesty's Government:
742WAWhy the owners of properties acquired in Bloomsbury for the National Library and not now needed should not have first refusal to reacquire their premises following the precedent of Crichel Down.
§ Lord MOWBRAY and STOURTONThe Crichel Down rules apply to the disposal of surplus agricultural land. My right honourable friend is reviewing the procedures for the disposal of land and property acquired by or under threat of compulsory purchase; meanwhile a former owner of Bloomsbury property is being given an opportunity to reacquire by private treaty.