§ Mr. Leeasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the average time taken by local authorities to acquire land for development under the compulsory purchase procedure; what steps he is taking to accelerate this; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John SilkinThe time taken in preparing orders and in completing acquisitions after confirmation is determined locally, and an average cannot be given. The rate of progress in my Department varies widely, depending upon whether the parties continue to negotiate, whether an inquiry is necessary, the availability of inspectors and the complexity of the issues brought out. More inspectors have been appointed to take inquiries into housing compulsory purchase orders that are opposed, to speed up the process.