HC Deb 03 May 1983 vol 42 c18W
Mr. Race

asked the Secretary of State for Transport on how many occasions during the present public inquiry into the A406 Falloden way-Finchley high road, Greater London road scheme, he inspector has ordered adjournments; for what durations; and on what grounds.

Mrs. Chalker

Apart from adjournments normal to all inquiries, there have been adjournments for exceptional reasons on 11 occasions. On four occasions an evening meeting had to be adjourned and abandoned, but on the other occasions the inquiry proceeded after a break of some 10 to 15 minutes. The grounds for adjournment were disruption by some objectors and the need for a cooling-off period.

Mr. Race

asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many persons have been ejected forcibly from the public inquiry into the A406 Falloden way-Finchley high road scheme; and whether these persons have been subsequently prevented from giving evidence or stating objections.

Mrs. Chalker

Following the lack of success of repeated warnings by the inspector and a refusal to leave the inquiry, some persons then refused the request of the Corps of Commissionaires to leave. The police intervened at the request of the inspector. Three people resisted the request of the police to leave and were removed with a minimum of force. Two repeated offenders have not been readmitted, being excluded for the duration of the inquiry, and they have been advised that they can submit evidence or state objections to the inquiry in writing.