asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he is satisfied with the arrangements to ensure the accuracy in the sales particulars of properties offered at public auction by his department, in view of the discrepancy that arose in the case of which the hon. Member for Newbury has sent him details; and if he will make a statement.

Yes, Sir. I am satisfied that the arrangements go as far as is reasonably possible to ensure accuracy.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in this case the area advertised was shown as 11–2 acres and that it was subsequently discovered that it measured only 8.8 acres? Would not he agree that members of the public are entitled to a greater degree of accuracy?

I am sorry about this, but we held the land at Woodcote on the basis of the acreage given in the Land Registration transfer document. That was the basis on which we bought the land. We had no reason to suspect that the acreage was incorrect, but everyone bidding for the land presumably saw what he would buy before bidding.