HC Deb 27 January 1975 vol 885 cc54-5W
Mr. Normanton

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how much has been paid, in total, to objectors at public inquiries into compulsory purchase orders in each of the last five years.

Mr. Oakes

This information is not readily available in respect of compulsory purchase orders made by the Secretary of State. As regards orders made by local authorities, this information is held only by the local authorities concerned.

Mr. Normanton

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on his policy in regard to the payment of objectors' expenses at public inquiries into compulsory purchase orders.

Mr. John Silkin

Present Government policy, which dates back to 1965, provides that qualified objectors—that is, owners, lessees or occupiers of land who successfully object to a compulsory purchase order following a local inquiry are normally awarded their costs against the authority initiating the order. Unsuccessful objectors and third party objectors are expected to bear their own costs.