HC Deb 29 November 1976 vol 921 cc52-3W
Mr. Giles Shaw

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what limits he has set on the purchase by his Department of property allegedly blighted by the planning proposals for the M1 extension west of Leeds; and whether these limits include a ceiling price or a fixed budget or both.

Mr. William Rodgers

There are no limits to the number of blighted properties the Department may purchase nor is there a limit to the amount which may be spent for this purpose. Negotiations are conducted on the Department's behalf by the Valuation Office of the Board of Inland Revenue. The properties already acquired on the alternative corridors to the west of Leeds have been purchased under discretionary powers at current market value, disregarding any depreciation which might be caused by the road proposals.

Mr. Giles Shaw

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if, in view of the purchase of a property in Horsforth, he will publish the total number and cost of properties bought by his Department in connection with the proposed Ml extension west of Leeds.

Mr. William Rodgers

The Department has purchased three properties on the alternative corridors to the west of Leeds at the request of the owners. The total cost to public funds is about £40,000.