§ Mr. WatersonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to ensure that the residents of the Manor Farm Estate in Scunthorpe receive a definite offer of 100 per cent. compensation immediately. [110311]
§ Mr. MullinOn 30 November 1999, my hon. Friend the Minister for Housing and Planning and officials of the Department met representatives of North Lincolnshire Council, my hon. Friend the Member for Scunthorpe (Mr. Morley) and also a local estate agent acting on behalf of the property owners, to discuss the issue of compensation. At that meeting a number of options were explored, with a view to seeking the best possible solution and a fair deal for those concerned.
From that we believe that a positive way forward, involving the use of "buy back" provisions, has been identified. This, including the proposed compensation arrangements, is now subject to further discussions between North Lincolnshire Council and the owner-occupiers concerned. My Department and North Lincolnshire are hopeful that this will lead to a positive outcome for all concerned.