§ Mr. HoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when the Strathclyde regional council (Stonehouse bypass, A71) compulsory purchase order was originally applied for; if he will now approve it; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 23 November 1992]: The made compulsory purchase order and all the necessary supporting documents were submitted on 15 June 1988 by Strathclyde regional council to the Secretary of State for his determination. There were five objectors to the order. The council considered that their objections could be resolved by agreement and, at the council's request, no public local inquiry was instituted while discussions took place. Generally, it is in the interests of parties to settle their differences without recourse to an inquiry, and, in order to protect the rights of individuals, that time should be allowed for this process to take place.
The last objection to the order was withdrawn on 25 August 1992. Following this, the council notified my Department on 11 November of the several modifications needed to be made to the order in the light of the agreements reached with the objectors. The order will be determined as soon as the necessary administrative procedures are completed.