Mr. William O' BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many public inquiries dealing with major motorway developments have been initiated by the Highways Agency on behalf of his Department; and if he will list the titles of the public inquiries. [42150]
§ Mr. WattsThis is an operational matter for the Highways Agency. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.
899WLetter from Laurie Haynes to Mr. William O' Brien, dated 8 November 1995:
As you know, the Minister for Railways and Roads, Mr John Watts, has asked me to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking the Secretary of State for Transport, how many public inquiries dealing with major motorways developments have been initiated by the Highways Agency on behalf of his Department, and if he will list the titles of the public inquiries.Public inquiries into objections to motorway and trunk road schemes are set up jointly by the Secretaries of State for Transport and for the Environment.Since our formation on 1 April 1994 Public Inquiries into the following major motorway development have been initiated:
- M1 Junctions 6A–10 Widening
- M4 Junctions 3–4b Widening
- M11 Junctions 5 North Facing slip roads Improvements
- M20 Junctions 3–5 Widening
- M23 Junctions 8–9 Widening
- M25 Terminal 5 Spur (Heathrow)
- M63 Junctions 6–9 Widening
- A1(M) Ferrybridge to Hook Moor
- A1(M) Leeming to Scotch Corner
- A556(M) M6 to M56
- Birmingham Northern Relief Road
Mr. O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what advice is given to independent inspectors hearing a public inquiry into motorway developments to ensure all witnesses' statements are recorded and available for public inspection. [42151]
§ Mr. WattsThe planning inspectorate of the Department of the Environment has issued "Notes for the Guidance of Independent Inspectors Holding Inquiries Into Orders and Special Road Schemes Made Under the Highways Act 1980". These notes make it clear that documentary evidence, like oral evidence, can be taken into account only if it is fully disclosed at the inquiry. The notes advise the inspector to list inquiry documents, plans and photographs, giving them unique numbers, in an appendix to the report on the inquiry. A transcript service is normally provided by the Department of Transport, for trunk road inquiries which are expected to last more than 16 sitting days.
Mr. O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what legislation applies to the terms and conditions of a public inquiry into a major motorway development. [42153]
§ Mr. WattsThe conduct of inquiries for which notice was given on or after 10 January 1995 is governed by the Highways (Inquiries Procedure) Rules 1994, SI 1994 No. 3263, and the Compulsory Purchase by Ministers (Inquiries Procedure) Rules 1994, SI 1994 No. 3264. Inquiries for which notice was given before 10 January 1994 are governed by the Highways (Inquiries Procedure) Rules 1976, SI 1976 No. 721, and the Compulsory Purchase by Ministers (Inquiries Procedure) Rules 1967, SI 1967 No. 720.
Mr. O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport at what stage in a public inquiry into a major motorway development the independent inspector appointed by him takes on responsibilities; and if he will make a statement. [42152]
900W
§ Mr. WattsThe independent inspector for a trunk road motorway inquiry is nominated by the Lord Chancellor and appointed by the Secretaries of State for the Environment and for Transport. The inspector is fully responsible for the conduct of the inquiry from its opening and for any pre-inquiry meeting.