asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the Seafield Estates, at Balmacaan in Inverness-shire, were sold in December last year; that a number of transactions have taken place since, involving change of ownership; and whether precautions are being taken to safeguard the public purse should the Government decide to requisition this land?

According to my information the Balmacaan Estate was sold by the trustees for the proprietor at Whitsunday, 1942, and resold in August, September and November, 1942. Part of it was again sold in January, 1943. With regard to the last part of the Question my hon. Friend will be aware that the Interim Report of the Uthwatt Committee recommended that, in order to obviate increases in the cost of land required for public purposes due to speculative dealings, the compensation payable in respect of public acquisition or control of land should not exceed sums based on the standard of values at 31st March, 1939. The Government have already announced that they accept this principle and will in due course introduce legislation to give effect to it.