§ Mr. George Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland in how many cases estate agents were employed in the sale of the 86 properties sold by the Scottish Home and Health Department between 14 July 1979 and 30 April 1982; and whether there were any cases where upset prices were fixed in advance.
§ Mr. John MacKayEighty-six properties surplus to NHS requirements were sold during the period 1 April 1979 to 30 November 1982. This is the period given in my right hon. Friend's letter to the hon. Member of 11 January 1983, pursuant to his question of 13 December 1982. Estate agents were employed in the sale of seven of these properties. It was and remains normal practice to seek the advice of the district valuer in all disposals of NHS land and property, and to set an upset price on his recommendations when the disposal is on the open market.
§ Mr. George Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland which selling agents were employed by his Department in the selling of the two properties sold by himself as harbour authority for Peterhead bay harbour in 1982; and if there was an upset price in either case.
§ Mr. Allan StewartNegotiations for the sale of my right hon. Friend's properties at Peterhead were undertaken by officials in my Department. No selling agents were employed. Sale prices were negotiated in the light of advice from the district valuer.
§ Mr. George Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland who were the selling agents in the case of each of the 58 properties sold by the roads department of the Scottish Development Department between January 1980 and December.1982; and in which cases there were upset prices.
§ Mr. AncramIn all cases the Department undertook the sale with advice from the valuation office of the Inland Revenue. The properties were not advertised at upset prices.
§ Mr. George Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland which selling agents were employed by his Department to assist in the selling of The Whinns, Portavadie, by Tighnabruaich, Argyll, and Creagan Breac, Portavadie, by Tighnabruaich, Argyll; and whether there was an upset price.
§ Mr. AncramNo estate agents were engaged in the sale of The Whinns and there was no upset price. Alexander Dawson, estate agents and property managers, Oban were engaged to handle the sale of Creagan Breac; offers around £7,000 were invited. Both properties were sold with advice from the valuation office of the Inland Revenue.