asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry the reason moneys have not been paid to persons (details supplied) who sold land to the Department of Forestry and who should have been paid for the lands in September, 1981; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Land Sales.
121.
As the bulk of the land in question consists of a commonage held in undivided shares by the two persons mentioned these two sales are interdependent. In one case the price was agreed in March 1980 but in the other price agreement was not possible until January 1981. Delay in paying the purchase moneys is entirely due to title complexities which had to be dealt with by the parties' legal advisers before possession of the lands could be taken by my Department. However, I understand that these difficulties have now been virtually resolved and, when fully disposed of, the sales will be closed and the purchase moneys paid over quickly.