§ 101. Mr. Sandysasked the Minister of Transport how many properties have been or are in the process of being purchased by his Department in connection with the Northern Terminal of the M23 Motorway and at what cost; and whether he will give an assurance that no further such purchases will be made in advance of the public inquiry.
§ Mr. Mulley58 properties have been acquired under the Planning Blight provisions of the Town and Country Planning Acts at a cost of £259,389. In addition I have agreed to purchase a further 108 properties under these provisions at an estimated cost of £483,000. I am bound by the provisions of these Acts to accept a valid purchase notice served on me in respect of blighted property. Until a decision is reached following the 373W public inquiry, I do not propose to acquire for this scheme any property which is not blighted.