§ 41. Mr. R. Harrisasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what action he is considering to prevent financial loss to house owners whose property has fallen in value because of forthcoming demolition as a result of the building of the South Wales radial road and who find it impossible to dispose of their houses in the meantime.
§ Mr. WatkinsonI cannot, I am afraid, help houseowners at this stage, as I can only acquire land for the construction of the road after a scheme has been made under the Special Roads Act. Compensation will then be payable on the basis prescribed by Statute.
§ Mr. HarrisIn view of my right hon. Friend's Answer, may I ask whether he will be able in due course to give an affirmative answer to the request of the borough council, which has written to him to know whether he can reimburse the sum of £2,850 which it is willing to pay to a resident of Winchester Avenue who has to dispose of his house in the very near future because he is moving from the district on business?
§ Mr. WatkinsonI understand that the particular case is being discussed both with the Ministry of Housing and Local Government and with my own Ministry. The best way to help people on the line of this road is to get the line settled as quickly as I can. I hope that objectors will agree to facilitate this process.