Authorised officer to treat with landowner

(1) As soon as any declaration has been published in accordance with section 3 of this Act, the authorised officer shall, without delay, enter into negotiations or further negotiations for the purchase of the land to which the declaration relates upon reasonable terms and conditions, and by voluntary agreement with the owner of the land. with land-owner. (2) It shall not be necessary for the authorised officer to await the publication of the declaration before he endeavours to ascertain from the owner the terms and conditions on which he is willing to sell his land, but no negotiations or agreement shall be deemed to be concluded unless and until the conditions of sale and acquisition have been approved in writing by the Minister.