10-36-80/7 Vol 2 (CCE/Prop)
MEMORANDUM
29 Aug 62
ADM(C&P)/SP
Property Requirements
Gap Filler Programme
Further to the correspondence at flagged folios hereunder and to recent discussions between members of our respective staffs, the question of land acquisition for the 20 Gap Filler sites at which construcion is not being started this year has been reviewed. From the information we have been able to obtain it appears that construction contracts at these locations will be let in 1963 rather than a year later.
Our re-appraisal of the Gap Filler land acquisition phase indicates that it would be in the Crown's best interests to have Department of Transport obtain options on the properties involved. We are of the opinion that there is a grave risk that the high lands making up these properties, and which are mandatory for the Gap Filler sites, may very well be put to other uses by government or commercial agencies. Considerable expense was incurred in siting these facilities and we have been informed that if it were necessary to change even one site in the chain the telecommunication criteria would be seriousy affected.
It is recommended that Transport be instructed to have its agents approach the owners of the various properties involved with a view to obtaining options, valid until December 1963. If you concur in the attached draft letter setting out this direction may it be signed and despatched, please.
(JF Brennagh) W/C
for CAS
2-6771