§ 10. Mr. Awdryasked the Minister of Transport what plans he has to simplify the procedure and reduce the number of statutory agreements to be fulfilled before a motorway can be constructed.
§ Mr. SwinglerSome simplifications of the procedure have been introduced over the past year. Further substantial improvements would require legislation, on which I would refer to the Answer given to the hon. Member for Dorset, West (Mr. Wingfield Digby) on 19th June.— [Vol. 766, c. 1077].
§ Mr. AwdryDoes the Minister agree that existing procedures are now totally out of date? Would not it be better if more generous compensation were paid to owners and there were less opportunity of objecting?
§ Mr. SwinglerI am not sure that we can arrive at that conclusion until Parliament has had every opportunity of considering the matter. Important questions are raised here about the right of individuals and local authorities to object to 555 highway schemes. It is a highly controversial matter which will no doubt be considered by Parliament in the near future.