§ Mr. PawseyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he has reached a decision on the application by Central Railway plc for directions under rule 12 of the Transport and Works (Applications and Objections Procedure) Rules granting waivers from compliance with certain application requirements in respect of the Central Railway project. [24954]
§ Mr. WattsYes. Having taken into account the views we have received from Members of Parliament, local planning authorities and others, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has decided to refuse Central Railway's applications for waiver directions under rule 12 of the Transport and Works (Applications and Objections Procedure) Rules, in so far as they relate to the provision of plans, sections and cross-sections of the works. Subject to further consideration of the scope of non-compliance, he is prepared to agree to partial waivers in respect of the serving of application documents on certain local planning authorities and other statutory bodies. He may also be prepared to waive full compliance with the rules relating to the placing of site notices, subject to being satisfied that persons affected would not be materially prejudiced by such a decision. My right hon. Friend's reasons for refusing waivers are set out in a letter sent today to Central Railway plc. Copies of the letter have been placed in the House of Commons Library and will be sent to all MPs with a constituency interest.