§ Mr. Lomasasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take steps to widen public understanding of the procedures for and effects of compulsory purchase orders, in particular the position and rights of the individuals; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John SilkinAs announced in reply to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Gravesend (Mr. Ovenden) on 25th March—[Vol. 871, c.37.]—I have begun the issue of a series of booklets specially designed to give guidance for those who are, or may be, affected by public works. They deal in particular with the rights of individuals and the benefits they may be able to obtain. People who are anxious to know about their entitlement to compensation or to be rehoused can get the booklets at their 32W local council offices or citizens' advice bureaux.
Local authorities have been specially asked to give the earliest and fullest possible information about the reasons for making an order and its effect, including the justification for resorting to compulsory purchase and information about rehousing. I am not aware that there is any widespread misunderstanding of the procedures but if my hon. Friend has any evidence of this I shall be glad to consider it.