§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment is made by his Department of the quality of land, to replace other land required for road building, for its environmental benefit to the local community; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ChopeLand is required to be given in exchange only for open space, common or allotment land. My Department assesses potential exchange land against the statutory criteria. The land must be not less in area and equally advantageous. Area, condition, location and use are taken into account. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment decides whether the land is suitable only after consideration of any representations and objections in response to his advertisement of the proposal.