HC Deb 15 January 1996 vol 269 cc403-4W
Mr. Sedgemore

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has as to how many dwellings on the Trowbridge estate, Hackney will in the absence of a medical condition aggravated by physical effects qualify as seriously affected under the discretionary purchase scheme published by Union Rail in July 1995 in relation to the channel tunnel rail link. [9086]

Mr. Watts

No estimate has been made of the number of dwellings on the Trowbridge estate which might qualify under the scheme. It is for individual owner occupiers to apply if they consider they may be eligible.

Mr. Sedgemore

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what predicted levels of settlement will qualify as seriously affecting the enjoyment of a property for the purposes of the discretionary purpose scheme for the channel tunnel rail link published in July 1995. [9075]

Mr. Watts

Under the discretionary purchase guidelines it is for Union Railways Ltd. to decide whether predicted levels of settlement seriously affect the enjoyment of an individual property, taking account also of other relevant factors that would affect enjoyment.

Mr. Sedgemore

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will seek an amendment to paragraph 6 of the discretionary purchase scheme published in July 1995 by Union Rail to reassure property owners that predicted settlement of appropriate severity in combination with diminution of value will trigger an offer to buy from Union Rail. [9087]

Mr. Watts

Settlement and many other relevant factors can already be taken into account in considering applications for purchase under the discretionary purchase guidelines for the channel tunnel rail link.