§ Mr. Rookerasked the Minister of Transport how many properties in the Great Barr and Perry Beeches areas of Birmingham have had double glazing fitted under the Noise Insulation Regulations due to the M6 motorway; and for how many of these properties a payment was made under part 1 of the Land Compensation Act 1973.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThis information is not readily available but I shall write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.
§ Mr. Rookerasked the Minister of Transport how many letters his Department's West Midland office has sent out to residents in the Great Barr and Perry Beeches area of Birmingham withdrawing offers of double glazing under the Noise Insulation Regulations; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeOffers of noise insulation have been made to a number of householders in the vicinity of the M6 following the revised interpretation of the Noise Insulation Regulations 1973. There is no legal duty on the Department to make these offers. Unfortunately, through an administrative oversight, offers were made in 123 cases where full compensation had already been paid under part I of the Land Compensation Act 1973. In these cases it was not appropriate to provide insulation, since it would have resulted in a double payment from public funds to mitigate the effect of traffic nuisance. When the error was discovered, individual letters were sent explaining why the offers in these cases had to be withdrawn. I am sorry if expectations have been raised without foundation and very much regret the error.