§ 42. Sir B. Jannerasked the Minister of Transport why land required for the M.1 motorway at Leicester Forest East was enclosed and fenced in without prior consultation with the owners and without a compulsory purchase order; and what steps are being taken to compensate the owners of the land.
§ Mr. MarplesNegotiations with the owners of properties in Charnwood Drive had taken place before their land was entered last April. By a regrettable error in the plans used for the negotiations and the compulsory purchase order, the amount of land was understated by about 200 sq. yds. out of 3,700 sq. yds. required from six back gardens. The land was fenced at the request of a firm of solicitors acting for all the owners and increased compensation has been offered. I am grateful to the owners for allowing the contractors to remain in occupation and thus avoiding any delay to the motorway.
§ Sir B. JannerIs my right hon. Friend aware that there is considerable anxiety amongst these owners, who are 1451 not people of very substantial means, about the whole matter? The line has been moved twice without their knowledge and without any negotiations with them. What does he intend to do about properly and adequately compensating them for the land which was taken in excess of the land which it was intended to take and which has been enclosed without their knowledge? Will he make inquiries about this?
§ Mr. MarplesI will make inquiries, but, as I said originally, increased compensation has been offered and the district valuer will reopen negotiations if these people are dissatisfied.