Mr. William O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the types of transcript services used in recording the proceedings at public inquiries into motorway developments. [5300]
§ Mr. WattsI have asked the chief executive of the Highways Agency to write to the hon. Member.
674WLetter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. William O'Brien, dated 13 December 1995:
As you know, the Minister for Railways and Roads, Mr. John Watts, has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will list the types of transcript services used in recording the proceedings at public inquiries into motorway developments.The "Notes for Guidance of Independent Inspectors holding inquiries into orders and special road schemes made under the Highways Act 1980" revised June 1995 state that "a transcript service will normally be provided by the Department of Transport for trunk road inquiries which are expected to last for more than sixteen sitting days". The type of transcript service is agreed with the Inspector at each inquiry; since June 1995 verbatim, unchecked records and live note system with checked records, have been used on inquiries into motorway developments lasting more than sixteen sitting days.
Mr. O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what changes have taken place since 1976 to the rules concerning motorway public inquiries. [5295]
§ Mr. WattsThe Highways (Inquiries Procedure) Rules 1994, SI 1994 No. 3263, came into force on 10 January 1995 replacing the 1976 rules. I am writing to the hon. Member explaining the changes brought about by the new rules.