§ Mr. Heddleasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what were the highest amounts of interest paid by his Department on claims under the Land Compensation Acts 1961 and 1973 in each of the last five years for which figures are available; and how long each case had taken to settle from the date of entry;
(2) how many claims made against his Department under the Land Compensation Acts 1961 and 1973 were settled in each of the last five years for which figures are available.
§ Mr. Giles ShawMy Department rarely receives claims under the Land Compensation Acts 1961 and 1973, and no central record is kept of claims settled or interest paid.
§ Mr. Heddleasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has recently received regarding the payment of interest on claims under the Land Compensation Acts; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Giles ShawNone recently, but we are considering earlier representations by the National Farmers' Union that the present law, which provides for the payment of simple interest and confers no right to advance payment of interest, should be amended. No decisions have yet been made.