§ Mr. DunnTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he intends to announce the outcome of his review of the rules governing highway inquiries.
§ Mr. MacGregorMy review has now been concluded and a consultation document on revised draft inquiry rules is being published today with a view to implementing revised rules in the summer. The public inquiry represents a key stage in the planning of a trunk road as it allows a 117W final decision to be made in the light of all information and arguments. The current 1976 and 1967 rules governing highway inquiries no longer represent accepted best practice. This means that proceedings can take longer than is necessary or desirable. This wastes time and money and can mean substantially higher costs for objectors.
The consultation document, a copy of which has been placed in the Library, covers both highway inquiry procedures rules and compulsory purchase by Ministers inquiry procedure rules. There will be a three-month consultation period and I would welcome comments from anyone with an interest in the conduct of trunk road inquiries.