§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what plans he has to simplify the existing legislation regarding compulsory acquisition and compensation; [14574]
81W(2) what plans his Department has to review the compulsory purchase compensation procedure. [14571]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordMy Department is responsible for two major reviews which impact upon compulsory purchase and compensation. Firstly, we commissioned the City university to conduct research into the operation of the compulsory purchase procedures. Its final report was presented to the Department this week. Secondly, the interdepartmental working group on blight is currently looking at a range of issues which, while focused on generalised blight arising during the various stages of major infrastructure project development, also include how the current compensation code may affect popular perceptions surrounding proposals for new works.
I will look carefully at both reports and consider any case which may be made for changes to existing law and practice.