§ Mr. Clifford Forsytheasked the Secretary of State for Transport what criteria govern the payment of legal and other costs from public funds of inquiries into road schemes proposed by his Department; and what will be the contribution by his Department into costs associated with the proposed Okehampton bypass.
§ Mrs. ChalkerCosts incurred by the Department in holding public inquiries into road schemes are borne by the Department as a result of the Secretary of State's functions under the Highways Act 1980 and the Local Government Act 1972.
The criteria for the payment of objectors' costs where appropriate are set out in MHLF circular 73/65, a copy of which is in the Library.
The Department's contribution into costs associated with the proposed Okehampton bypass cannot be assessed until the present proceedings have been concluded.