§ Mr. Andrew F. Bennettasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many applications have been made by local authorities for discretion to pay home loss grants where such applications were made outside the six-month limit; and if he will abolish the six-month limit as far as home loss grants are concerned.
§ Mr. Oakes:Sanction has been sought for 517 payments, of which 289 have been approved. Abolition of the six-month rule would require an amendment to the 562W Land Compensation Act 1973, and the justification for this is insufficient.