HC Deb 18 July 1956 vol 556 cc1197-8
17. Captain Corfield

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation to state the area of land to be acquired for the construction of the new motorway for the Severn Bridge project, together with the number of properties and people affected; whether notification has yet been made to all those concerned; and at what date he anticipates that work will be commenced.

Mr. Watkinson

About 150 acres will be needed for the bridge and approach roads from Almondsbury to Haysgate. As I cannot yet say when this project will be started, it would be premature to prepare the detailed land plans, without which it is impossible to ascertain the number of properties and persons likely to be affected.

Captain Corfield

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the Gloucestershire County Council has published some plans of this motorway, with the result that it is inevitably having considerable hardship effect on people who are disposing of their property in the area? Would he give consideration to the prevention of publication of such plans until he is in a position to give some idea of the date on which the work can be commenced?

Mr. Watkinson

I quite understand, and I sympathise with those people who feel that the value of their property is affected by one of these great bridge or road schemes, but I think I am right in saying that that particular publication was not within my control. I will see what I can do in future to ensure that plans are not published until we are ready to go ahead.

Mr. Stokes

Can the Minister say whether the purchase of the land will be on the basis of existing use value or speculative value?

Mr. Watkinson

Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will put that question down.