HC Deb 21 February 1979 vol 963 cc400-1
5. Mr. Rooker

asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many persons received compensation under part I of the Land Compensation Act in respect of the M6 motorway in Birmingham.

Mr. Horam

So far, 1,655 claims have been paid. Some of those have related to more than one property.

Mr. Rooker

Does my hon. Friend accept that that figure should be at least 200 higher because 200 families in my constituency did not have the chance to claim as they did not understand the rules in 1975? Will he repeat the commitment given to me in August that, now that the Select Committee on the Ombudsman has reported on the Rochester Way case, the residents affected by the M6—in exactly the same circumstances—will receive consideration at the same time?

Mr. Horam

Certainly. My hon. Friend has raised an important point. The Select Committee has expressed its view on the matter clearly. My right hon. Friend and I will study the Select Committee report carefully, both on the general issue of whether there is inadequate publicity, which relates to the whole country, and on particular issues, whether in my hon. Friend's constituency or in any other. We shall do that as soon as possible. I know that my right hon. Friend is anxious to do so. It is important that the matter should be settled as soon as possible.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

What about the residents of the other part of the Rochester Way, who are affected by new road building on either side—

Mr. Speaker

Order. I suggest that the hon. Gentleman puts down a question about that matter.