§ Mr. Robin F. Cookasked the Secretary of State for Transport on how many days since the publication of the report on the Review of Highway Inquiry Procedures, Command Paper No. 7133, major road inquiries have been disrupted by members of the public; and if he is satisfied with the operation of the new arrangements for such inquiries.
§ Mr. William RodgersAt one inquiry there has been frequent serious disruption over a considerable period. Apart from that, only two inquiries have been subjected to serious disruption on three separate days. Some 20 other inquiries have taken place without serious interruption since the publication of Cmnd. 7133.
The new arrangements reflect the Government's determination that the procedures should be as fair and open as it is possible to make them. I am satisfied 567W that in almost all cases the objectives set out in the White Paper have been achieved, but I am concerned that in even one case demonstrators should have made it difficult for the real objections to be heard and considered.