asked the Minister of Health what directions are given to district valuers to guide them in their valuation of properties and lands which local authorities wish to acquire!

District valuers apply their local knowledge under the guidance of the Chief Valuer, Inland Revenue Department. Their valuations, however, are governed by the statutory provisions relating to the compulsory acquisition of land, the interpretation of which is finally a matter for the courts.

Is the Minister aware that at least some of the valuations presented to the local authorities are far below the current prices of the lands and properties, and that they have not the ghost of a chance of getting anywhere near the desirable properties?

I am not aware of any special instance, but these are valued in accordance with the Statutes, and I have no authority to intervene.