§ Mrs. Curtis-ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discretion the Highways Agency has to compensate individual organisations for loss of trade as a result of highway works. [65270]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonWhere works have been properly carried out by a highway authority under a statutory power, there is no legal liability to compensate for loss of trade. Only in extraordinary circumstances would the Highways Agency consider a discretionary or ex-gratia payment. Where works are carried out on land which has been compulsorily purchased, there may, in certain circumstances, be compensation for injurious affection but not for loss of trade.