§ 2. Mr. Laneasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will make a further statement on his intention to improve the compensation rights of individuals affected by public developments.
§ The Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. Peter Walker)I shall make a statement when we have completed our comprehensive review of the compensation code.
§ Mr. LaneI am grateful for that reply. Will my right hon. Friend keep in mind that there is strong feeling about the inadequacy of the present law to ensure justice for individuals, and that when the Government are ready to make their proposals there will be loud cheers at the keeping of yet another Conservative election pledge?
§ Mr. WalkerYes, Sir.
§ Mr. ConlanWill the right hon. Gentleman also bear in mind that when roads are constructed through large towns like Gateshead, for example, owner-occupiers are injuriously affected not so much by the roads running through their properties but by the value of their properties declining because of the close proximity of those roads?
§ Mr. WalkerYes, I very much appreciate these problems. The City of Worcester, which I represent, has similar problems.