§ Mr. JenkinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (1) what action he has taken to improve the system of compulsory purchase and compensation; and if he will introduce reforming legislation at an early date; [4595]
(2) when he will publish the Government's response to the consultation on the 'Fundamental Review of the Laws and Procedures Relating to Compulsory Purchase and Compensation' conducted by the former DETR last year. [4594]
§ Ms KeebleIn response to the consultation on the Fundamental Review, to which my hon. Friend refers, we are currently preparing a Policy Statement setting out the Government's proposals for making the system of compulsory purchase and compensation more efficient, more effective and fairer to all parties. This will be published as soon as possible, and will include an assessment of the need for reforming legislation. The Fundamental Review also pointed out that the operation of the compulsory purchase system is suffering from a loss of expertise and experience in acquiring authorities. We have therefore commissioned a Guidance Manual to help authorities make more effective use of the current system. This is due to be published in the autumn.