§ Mr. Parkinsonasked the Secretary of State for Transport (1) in how many road inquiries held in the past five years and concerned with compulsory purchase orders for dwellings the inspector recommended that the compulsory purchase orders should be made; and in how many of these cases he over-ruled this recommendation;
(2) in how many road inquiries held in the last five years and concerned with compulsory purchase orders for dwellings the inspector recommended that the compulsory purchase orders should not be made; and in how many of these cases he over-ruled this recommendation.
§ Mr. William RodgersThis information can be provided only at disproportionate cost. However, if the hon. Member will write to me I will look into any particular cases which may be causing him concern.
§ Mr. Parkinsonasked the Secretary of State for Transport whether it is the practice for representatives of his Department to hold futher meetings with inspectors who conduct public inquiries into road widening schemes; whether records are made of such meetings for publication; and whether such meetings have taken place since the inquiry into the M1 widening in Hertfordshire.
§ Mr. William RodgersNo. The Highways (Inquiries Procedure) Rules 1976 provide for the inspector to make site inspections after the close of an inquiry, either on his own initiative or at the request of the promoting authority or any statutory objectors. In all cases both the promoting authority and the statutory objectors are entitled to accompany him and the fact of the inspection is recorded in the inspector's report of the inquiry.
Site inspections took place on 7th and 8th July 1976 after the inquiry into proposals to widen the M1 between Break-spear and Berrygrove. The inspector was accompanied by objectors and members of my Department.