§ Mr. Sydney Chapmanasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has yet reached conclusions on the proposals put to him by the Urban Motorways Committee; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter Walker"Development and Compensation—Putting People First" is a White Paper (Cmnd. 5124) which, with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Wales, I have published today.
A new deal for those affected by roads is there announced by the acceptance of the recommendations of the Urban Motorways Committee whose report is also published today. Urban roads must be made to accord more compatibly with their surroundings. Sound insulation and other remedial measures will soften their impact. Homes which have been harmfully affected by nearby public developments, such as roads, coming into use since 17th October, 1969, may rank for compensation.
For compulsory acquisition, compensation will still be based on market value. The home loss payment—a payment in recognition of the special distress of those who lose the homes which they have occupied for many years—is an innovation.
A range of other proposals will improve acquisition terms and blight entitlements, provide for advance payment of compensation and establish entitlement to rehousing. Many of these will be of special benefit to owner-occupiers of residential and small business premises and farms, who often experience particular difficulties when their properties are needed for public development.
The Government believe that the proposals outlined in this White Paper will help achieve a fairer balance between the benefits which society gains from new public works and the interests of the individual whose home and life may be disrupted.