§ Mr. Rookerasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a further statement on the continuing delay in reaching a settlement with Birmingham district council in respect of compensation for use of land and depreciation of municipal property following construction of the M6 motorway.
§ Mr. Horam:Agreement with the district council on the amount of compensation payable for the last package of land was reached during the course of last year. The council was offered 90 per cent. advance payments in respect of all land taken for the M6 and these have been paid where and as requested. The balance, plus interest will be paid on completion of conveyances. Payment of the outstanding compensation for depreciation payable under part I of the Land 674W Compensation Act 1973 for the very large number of properties covered by the council's composite claim will be made shortly.