§ Mr. ClellandTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the number of properties compulsorily purchased by the Highways Agency in the Gateshead area from April 1994 to date in connection with the Agency's proposed Al Gateshead western bypass; and what has been the total cost of the purchases. [10555]
§ Mr. WattsSince April 1994, nine properties have been purchased at a cost of £1.6 million. They have been purchased under statutory blight provisions which enables affected owner-occupiers to require the Department to buy their property in advance. The question of compulsory purchase does not arise.