§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is aware of the hardship caused by motorway noise to residents in the area of the M62/63; what representations he has received on this subject from Eccles Corporation; if he will widen the scope of local authority powers as shown in circular 56/72 to cover all cases where there is excessive noise, dust and vibration; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. SpeedThe Eccles Corporation wrote on 27th December 1972 describing conditions near the M62/63 in the borough and seeking a discretionary power for highway authorities to sound-insulate properties adversely affected by any motorway. The Land Compensation Bill would relate the power, together with a right to compensation for injurious affection, to the effects of new and improved roads brought into use on or after 17th October 1969. I consider that to apply those provisions to all roads, whenever built, would impose an unacceptable burden on highway authorities.