§ Mr. MillsTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he will act to purchase those houses suffering from planning blight as a result of his proposals to widen the M42 in the constituency of Meriden; and if he will make a statement.
(2) if he will reconsider his proposal for widening the M42 by two lanes each side in the constituency of Meriden; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WattsThese questions are operational matters for the Highways Agency. I have asked the chief executive to write to my hon. Friend.
Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. Iain Mills, dated 3 November 1994:
The Minister of State for Railways and Roads has asked me to write to you in response to your Parliamentary Questions about the M42 widening in Meriden since they are operational matters for the Highways Agency.I can confirm that all properties which fulfil the conditions of the statutory blight legislation will be bought by the Highways Agency. In addition, those properties which satisfy the criteria for discretionary purchase will also be bought. The criteria requite that the proposed roadworks should be predicted to have a serious effect on a property, as defined in the criteria and that there should be a case on hardship grounds for acquiring it. Twenty one properties in the vicinity of junction 5 have so far been purchased and other 1308W applications are being considered. I understand that Steven Norris has now written to you about enquiries from four of your constituents.Compensation is also available after construction for depreciation in value of property caused by widening and eligibility for noise insulation will be assessed.The proposals for the widening were presented to the public earlier this year. This was so that they could express views about the options. The many comments received since then are still being assessed, but will be taken into account by the Secretary of State in deciding on the future progress of the proposals.